All Blacks and Hurricanes back-row Ardie Savea has announced that he will play his club rugby in Japan for most of 2024 before heading back to New Zealand later that year.
The 29-year-old has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Hurricanes and the terms of his contract extension includes a six-month sabbatical with Japan Rugby League One outfit Kobelco Kobe Steelers from the end of 2023.
Contract extension until 2025
Under the terms of his four-year contract extension, the 67-Test All Black will then return to New Zealand in June 2024 and continue his career there until the end of the 2025 season.
“I’m excited to be joining the Kobelco Kobe Steelers after the 2023 rugby season,” Savea said.
“Although it’s far away, it’s nice to have clarity in what I’m doing and I think this change, for a short period of time, will do me and my family good.
“Playing in Japan is going to be an awesome experience and I’m ready to embrace their beautiful culture. I can’t wait to meet all the Kobe fans at the games and connect with everyone.”
NZR professional rugby manager Simon Simmers said: “NZR are pleased for Ardie to be taking up an opportunity to play in Japan for six months after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Super Rugby Pacific 2023 will be Ardie’s 11th year with the Hurricanes so to be able to play somewhere different after next year’s competition will be a great experience for him and his young family.
“We are supportive of this playing break that formed part of his contract extension signed last year through until the end of 2025.”
Under NZR board policy, Savea will be immediately eligible for All Blacks selection when he returns in 2024. A similar arrangement was made for other experienced All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock recently.
“It is great news that Ardie is committing to NZ Rugby until the end of 2025,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. “His leadership and form makes him a vital component of our planning.
“It is also great that the structure of this break away from New Zealand still enables him to be available for the entire 2024 All Blacks season.”
Staying with the Hurricanes
Savea has played more than 100 Super Ruby games for the Hurricanes and is contracted to the Wellington-based outfit for the 2025 season.
“We’re really excited for Ardie and his family to have this opportunity to play in Japan after the Rugby World Cup,” said Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee.
“We are behind him all the way with this decision, and look forward to seeing him back in 2025. In the meantime, we still have the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with Ardie to look forward to.”
Click Here: fermanagh gaa jerseys