All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has signed with the Auckland Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, remaining in Auckland after the collapse of Moana Pasifika.
The 112-test loose forward will reunite with former Hurricanes coach Jason Holland after choosing to join the Blues following Moana Pasifika’s demise.
Savea revealed his next move during a livestream on his YouTube channel from Wellington’s Swimsuit coffee shop, after teasing fans about his decision last week.
Before confirming the Blues as his destination in what he called his “last dance”, the 32-year-old tried on jerseys from the Highlanders, Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes.
Savea originally signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika from 2025, but made just 12 appearances for the club.
He spent part of his second season on sabbatical in Japan before Moana Pasifika folded, reducing Super Rugby Pacific to a 10-team competition in 2027.
The Blues will be Savea’s third Super Rugby club.
He previously played 131 matches for the Hurricanes between 2013 and 2023.
Although he is currently sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery, the former World Rugby Player of the Year adds significant experience and star power to a Blues side that has not returned to the final since winning the 2024 title under Vern Cotter.
Savea will strengthen a loose-forward group that has lost Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu.
All Blacks flanker Anton Segner, along with promising youngsters Torian Barnes, Malachi Wrampling and Che Clark, will compete for places alongside the new Blues recruit.
Savea is the Blues’ third new signing for 2027, joining Highlanders halfback and first five-eighth Nic Shearer and Cam Millar.
All Blacks centre-wing Rieko Ioane will also return next season following his sabbatical with Leinster.
The Blues will open their 2027 campaign against Savea’s former club, the Hurricanes, on February 13.
Source: stuff.co.nz
