The wife of Julian Savea has defended the former All Blacks wing for leaving Toulon mid‑season to attend his brother's wedding in Fiji.
The Savea family had extra reason to celebrate this Christmas as All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea wed partner Saskia Hartmann‑Hechenberger last week.
Ardie Savea with wife Saskia Hartmann‑Hechenberger and daughter in Denarau
Toulon fans expressed displeasure online in social media that their club's star signing had left his teammates while the French side struggled in 10th place in the Top14 competition.
However, Fatima Savea hit back on Twitter, saying the "unpaid leave" was one of the conditions Toulon agreed to before he joined the club.
After 54 test appearances for the All Blacks, and more than 120 games for the Hurricanes, Savea signed a two‑year deal with Toulon in June.
Savea last appeared for Toulon in the European Cup victory over Montpellier on December 8.
Ardie Savea and wife Saskia Hartmann‑Hechenberger (left) with friends and family in Fiji
He is expected to be available for next week's trip to Racing 92.
Ardie Savea got married on Denarau Island in the presence of 12‑month‑old daughter Kobe.
Ardie was one of the All Blacks' best this season and earlier this month backed out of a deal to join Julian in France, re‑signing with New Zealand Rugby through to 2021.
[Source: stuff.co.nz]
