Ardie Savea wants ‘to prove people wrong’ after All Blacks legend ‘not convinced’ by surprising switch

All Blacks star Ardie Savea is adamant that he has made the right decision by signing for Moana Pasifika until the conclusion of the 2027 campaign.

The 30-year has agreed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby which runs until the end of the World Cup in Australia.

Under the terms of the contract, Savea will play for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby from 2025 onwards.

They have struggled in the competition since their formation, which is why some have questioned the number eight’s move from a successful Hurricanes outfit.

All Blacks legend’s view

All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan is “not convinced” by the switch, but Savea insists that the team can improve on their 11th placed finish from 2024, where they ended with four wins and 10 defeats.

“What I’m looking forward to most is proving a lot of people wrong. I’m fully honest…proving people that Moana Pasifika is a great team, and these great players, these great coaches in that team,” the back-row said.

All Blacks legend questions Ardie Savea’s decision to join Moana Pasifika

According to Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee, there is the option for Savea to take a sabbatical in 2026, like he did earlier this year, but he could also spend the entirety of the next three seasons at Moana.

The number eight joins brother and former All Black, Julian, at the franchise as the 30-year-old gets to honour his Samoan heritage.

“It’s pretty special to press the send button once I did announce it, to be able to represent my people, the culture,” he said. “In my heart it’s time to give back and be around the brothers.”

Despite being a Pacific Island franchise, Pasifika are affiliated to NZR and play their home games at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland. That is why Savea is able to continue playing for the All Blacks while also representing Moana.

Samoa hopes fade

It means that the outstanding back-row will not fulfil his desire of representing Samoa, which was something the World Rugby Player of the Year was previously keen on.

“I wish but I won’t be able to because I obviously signed with New Zealand Rugby to 2027, and by that time I’ll be 33, 34, so my legs will be old,” he added.

“But my heart is I’ve always wanted to come… if I switch teams not come when I finished my career. I wanted to come when I’m still good. Even though I can’t represent Samoa, I feel like Moana is my Samoa so I’m going to give it everything.

“I’m gonna give it everything to be better to grow, to learn, get uncomfortable…to try to have a good next couple of years.”

READ MORE: All Blacks star Ardie Savea’s shock Super Rugby move confirmed in new deal