Loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi is Ardie Savea’s replacement as Moana Pasifika’s captain for the upcoming season.
Fai’ilagi, 26, a standout for the team last year, will fill in for Savea while the All Blacks vice-captain is on a one-season sabbatical at Kobe Steelers in Japan. It is Savea's second stint at Kobe.
Fai’ilagi, who was born in Samoa and is the first Super Rugby player to be signed straight from Samoan club rugby, helped Moana Pasifika to a seventh-placed finish in Super Rugby Pacific last year; just outside the playoffs.
The strong ball carrier and defender excelled in his team’s notable victories over the Crusaders, Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes. Fai’ilagi scored a hat-trick of tries in the latter victory.
The franchise today published a social media post showing Fai'ilagi addressing the squad after his announcement. In it he says: "I'm really grateful to be given the responsibility of leading the new wave. You guys know I lead through my actions and that's what I'm gonna bring."
The new Super Rugby season begins on February 13 with the Highlanders, minus the injured Dylan Pledger, hosting the defending champion Crusaders in Dunedin.
Meanwhile, Savea, who was sinbinned for dissent in his first game back for Kobe, has suffered an eye injury in a recent match.
The 32-year-old, who was consistently inspirational for Moana Pasifika last year and scooped all the major New Zealand rugby prizes, posted evidence of his black eye on a recent social media video.
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