There’s only one destination for All Blacks captain Ardie Savea in next year’s Super Pacific Competition and that's the Blues.
On social media Savea has teased where he’ll end up following the demise of Moana Pasifika earlier this year. He’s posted an image of an airport departures board (or was it an arrivals board?) with several destinations on it. There’s no Auckland or Hamilton, but Auckland is where he’ll end up. On the same social post, he signed a "contract" in what looked like an office or a bedroom from the Apocalypse Now movie (Google the ceiling fan scene if in doubt).
But we all got the drift.
For the sake of rugby union, Savea, in the immortal words of LeBron James, will be "taking his talents" to Takapuna Beach – or any Auckland beach, for that matter.
The country’s biggest rugby market had a taste of topline Savea in Super Rugby with Moana in 2025. He pretty much saved Super that year. His play was immense, tackle bust after tackle bust, turnovers, even kick and chase. Golden Savea leading from the front and almost hauling Moana into the playoffs. The scenes he and his team created provided a breath of fresh air for an ailing competition.
Savea’s Auckland future is exactly what rugby union needs in its biggest market, as the Warriors come off the back of a monumental regular season (playoffs?) with sold-out venues and a mountain of interest that union can only envy.
What Savea will bring – once he’s over his shoulder injury – is star quality on and off the field, genuine not manufactured interest. There’s no doubt he’ll provide on the field as he always does. The game, though, needs his profile away from the playing pitch. From a huge social media following to popularity across the spectrum and in different socio-economic areas, Savea easily becomes the face of a franchise without forcing the issue.
The concern for rugby in its biggest market is the draw of league. There’s evidence of junior numbers dropping off, with players heading to the more eye-catching code. There’s the all-star enticement and promotion, let alone dollars in the NRL. Savea has the capability of maybe drawing some of those young players back. He definitely has the pulling power to draw some disillusioned fans back. He has the power to also drag sponsors in as well.
The Blues are trying a host of new ideas in and around games. They’re wanting to make a visit to Eden Park a lot more fan-centric. That’s where Savea in a Blues jersey will help immensely. He’s always struck me as someone willing to try new things, give something a crack, have fun. An organic enjoyment, rather than a scripted marketing ploy. You can bet your bottom dollar New Zealand Rugby officials will be over the moon Savea is heading back to the Auckland market (although many in head office where vehemently against Savea joining Moana Pasifika in the first place).
On the playing side of things, who better to mentor the Blues' young loose forward tearaways – Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling and Torian Barnes – than the All Blacks captain. Who better to draw the best out of the returning Reiko Ioane than Ardie Savea.
My understanding is Savea enjoyed his time based on Auckland’s North Shore during his Moana campaign – a natural, relaxed fit for him and is family. He’ll also be set to play in one of his biggest seasons in 2027, with one of his longest enforced breaks in years. A World Cup year as All Blacks captain and Blues star has a strong ring to it.
I’m sure our biggest city and largest, most intense sporting market will welcome back Savea with open arms.
SHARE ME