All Blacks superstar and number eight Ardie Savea has signed with Super Rugby Pacific expansion side Moana Pasifika until 2027.
Savea spent the past Super Rugby season in Japan on sabbatical, returning for the All Blacks against England.
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The 30-year-old has played over 130 games for the Hurricanes, reuniting with brother Julian at the expansion club.
“I’ve got massive respect for my Hurricanes family and I loved serving them for 11 years but I think it’s the right time for a change and I spent a lot of quiet time with my family thinking about things before making this decision," Savea said in a statement.
"To have this team show the love and support they have for me and my family is special. Knowing that, regardless of anything that might happen, they will look after me and my family – I think that means a lot.
“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started.
“I know that I’m going to an environment where I am going to learn and grow in areas that I may not have even considered. It will be challenging and rewarding which is really exciting, but above all I’m really keen to serve and help grow the legacy of Moana Pasifika."
The Hurricanes praised Savea and the impact he will leave in a statement after he announced the news via social media.
“Everyone at the Hurricanes is sad to see him go, but ultimately Ardie has made the decision to represent the Pasifika community. We respect him for that,” says Hurricanes CEO, Avan Lee.
“Ardie is leaving behind a huge legacy for our younger players and future generations of Hurricanes to come.
"He’s been one of the most influential players in Hurricanes history, and has played a role in helping the club develop the depth of quality loose forwards that we now possess.
"We want to sincerely thank Ardie for his fantastic service to the club and to the fans. He’s off to do something really special for his community now, and we wish him, Saskia and the kids well on their move
