All Blacks star Ardie Savea has announced he will be leaving the Wellington Hurricanes to join Moana Pasifika. The 30-year-old back-row forward’s decision to switch teams has sparked debate, with rugby legend John Kirwan expressing concerns about how the move might impact Savea’s form for New Zealand.
Savea’s announcement, made this past Sunday, marks the end of a significant chapter in his career with the Hurricanes, a team he has been associated with for over a decade. His move to Moana Pasifika, a club that struggled in the 2024 Super Rugby season and finished second from the bottom, is seen as both a bold and risky decision. Kirwan, a former All Blacks winger and veteran of the game, has voiced reservations about the potential effects of Savea’s new environment on his performance for the national team.
Kirwan’s concerns are rooted in his own experiences as a player. In a recent discussion on Sky Sports, he highlighted that if Moana Pasifika continues to perform poorly, Savea might face challenges in maintaining his peak form. “Don’t get me wrong, I want Moana Pasifika to be great. But is it good for Ardie Savea if they have another season where they are second to last?” Kirwan questioned. He emphasized that Savea’s exposure to a potentially underperforming team might result in an increased workload, which could, in turn, affect his readiness and form for the All Blacks.
The move comes after Savea spent a sabbatical year playing club rugby in Japan following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His return to Super Rugby will see him link up with his older brother, Julian, at Moana Pasifika. This familial connection and Savea’s desire to honor his Samoan heritage have been cited as major factors in his decision. Savea has signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika, keeping him eligible for New Zealand selection up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
From Moana Pasifika’s perspective, securing Savea’s services is a significant coup. The club, which joined Super Rugby in 2022, has yet to make a substantial impact in the competition, finishing at the bottom of the table in their first two seasons. Savea’s arrival is expected to bring both experience and leadership to a team in need of both.
However, the move is not without its drawbacks. For the Hurricanes, Savea’s departure is a notable loss. The team, which finished at the top of the Super Rugby table this year, had to cope with his absence in the playoff semi-finals. Hurricanes’ CEO Avan Lee expressed sadness over Savea’s exit but also wished him the best, acknowledging the strong relationship between the player and the club.
As Savea embarks on this new chapter with Moana Pasifika, the broader implications of his move will be closely watched. While the prospect of playing alongside his brother and giving back to his heritage are compelling reasons for the switch, Kirwan’s concerns about the potential impact on Savea’s form for the All Blacks are valid. The true test will be whether Savea can maintain his high standards of performance despite the challenges that come with being part of a struggling team.
Ultimately, Savea’s decision reflects a complex balance between personal aspirations and professional realities. How he adapts to his new environment and how it affects his contributions to the All Blacks will be closely scrutinized in the coming seasons.
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