'We are supportive of this break': Savea reveals decision on his playing future
NEWS: All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will spend a season in Japan following next year’s Rugby World Cup before returning to play for New Zealand in 2024, it was announced Monday.
The 29-year-old plans to join Kobe Steelers on a short-term contract in early 2024 after the Rugby World Cup in France.
Savea, who plays for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, plans to return in June 2024 and play out his current New Zealand Rugby contract, which expires in 2025.
“I’m excited to be joining Kobe Steelers after the 2023 rugby season,” Savea said in a statement.
“Playing in Japan is going to be an awesome experience and I’m ready to embrace their beautiful culture.”
Savea, who can play at flank or No.8, has played 67 Tests for New Zealand.
NZR Professional Rugby Manager Simon Simmers added: “NZR are pleased for Ardie to be taking up an opportunity to play in Japan for six months after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Super Rugby Pacific 2023 will be Ardie’s 11th year with the Hurricanes so to be able to play somewhere different after next year’s competition will be a great experience for him and his young family.
“We are supportive of this playing break that formed part of his contract extension signed last year through until the end of 2025.”
Under NZR Board policy, Savea will be immediately eligible to be selected by the All Blacks on his return in 2024 – an arrangement made for other long-serving All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock in recent years.
“It is great news that Ardie is committing to NZ Rugby until the end of 2025,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. “His leadership and form makes him a vital component of our planning.
“It is also great that the structure of this break away from New Zealand still enables him to be available for the entire 2024 All Blacks season.”
Having played more than 100 Super Ruby games for the Hurricanes, Savea is contracted to the franchise for the 2025 season.
“We’re really excited for Ardie and his family to have this opportunity to play in Japan after the Rugby World Cup,” said Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee.
“We are behind him all the way with this decision, and look forward to seeing him back in 2025. In the meantime, we still have the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with Ardie to look forward to.”
Additional source: AFP
Ardie’s in for 2023, then he’ll be headed on sabbatical after the Rugby World Cup – linking with Kobelco Steelers in 2024, before returning in 2025.
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