All Blacks loose forward and vice-captain Ardie Savea’s move from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika has been endorsed by Jordie Barrett, who says: “he has our best wishes”.
Savea announced last night that he would play Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika from next year until 2027, a huge coup for the franchise coached by Tana Umaga.
Savea, 30, missed this year’s Super Rugby season due to a sabbatical at Japanese club Kobe and said he was looking forward to linking up with his brother, former All Blacks wing Julian, at Moana Pasifika. Ardie has also signed with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027.
Hurricanes and All Blacks vice-captain Barrett, speaking to 1News at Auckland airport this morning after arriving home from San Diego, where the All Blacks beat Fiji 47-5 at the weekend, said: “Ardie has been unbelievable for the Hurricanes and New Zealand rugby. He has our best wishes and it’s an exciting phase for him and his family. He gets to play with his brother now which is pretty cool.”
Asked whether he was disappointed at the news from a Hurricanes’ perspective, Barrett said: “I’m happy for Ardie. He’s always gone on his own path and I’m stoked he’s made up his mind and it’s all put to bed now.”
Savea’s move will not only improve Moana Pasifika’s quality but also make the struggling franchise, which has been in existence since 2020, more popular to players and fans alike.
The Hurricanes did well in his absence this year, with loose forwards Brad Shields, Brayden Iose and Devan Flanders impressing before losing to the Chiefs in the semifinals.
Barrett, asked about the All Blacks’ start to the year under new head coach Scott Robertson, said: “Three from three is always good… [under] the new regime and [with] the fresh blood that we saw against Fiji, so it was pleasing. We’ll never take Test wins for granted.”
The All Blacks began their new era under Robertson with a narrow series win over England and a comprehensive victory over Fiji which featured excellent performances from all six Test debutants.
Their next assignment is against Argentina in Wellington on August 10.
“I’ll get home and decompress a little bit and keep ticking over,” Barrett said. “We’ve got Argentina in a couple of weeks. They’re a good side and we’ll prepare well for them.”
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