All Blacks star signs monumental deal with Moana Pasifika

The rumours are true.

All Blacks vice-captain and World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea has signed with Moana Pasifika. Savea’s contract starts from 2025 and will run till 2027.

Moana Pasifika confirmed the news this afternoon that they will add a second Savea brother to their squad moving forward. Ardie joins older brother Julian, who will play on for Moana until the end of next year.

Ardie returned from Japan, where he spent the 2024 season playing with former All Black Ngani Laumape and Brodie Rettalick at the Kobe Steelers.

Despite expectations the star would return to the Hurricanes where he holds 91 caps, Savea will turn a new page in his Super Rugby career with the Auckland-based Moana Pasifika.

In Moana Pasifika’s press announcement, Savea expressed his gratitude to his former club and his excitement for the new journey ahead.

"I've got massive respect for my Hurricanes family and I loved serving them for 11 years," Savea said. 

"But I think it's the right time for a change and I spent a lot of quiet time with my family thinking about things before making this decision.”

Hailing from the Samoan Villages of Siumu, Luatuanu'u, and Falesiu Uta, Savea also reiterated that this signing was about connecting to his roots.

"It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can't wait to get started," he said, before adding that he's looking forward to expanding on his interests outside of football while with the club.

"I know that I'm going to an environment where I am going to learn and grow in areas that I may not have even considered. It will be challenging and rewarding which is really exciting, but above all I'm really keen to serve and help grow the legacy of Moana Pasifika.”

Moana Pasifika head coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga paid tribute to Savea and noted the impact he will make to the franchise both on and off the field.

“His signing with us speaks to his commitment to his Pacific heritage and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pacific players.

"As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”

Tune in tomorrow at 2pm when PMN goes live on Instagram from Moana Pasifika headquarters for the press conference …