Ardie Savea ‘would love to play with Antoine Dupont’ as All Blacks star opens up on Japan ‘struggle’

Ardie Savea admits that he would be open to the idea of moving to the Top 14 and states that he would “love” to play alongside Antoine Dupont.

The star number eight is currently plying his trade in Japan but concedes that the atmosphere at the recent Rugby World Cup has left him pondering a move to France.

Savea has yet to receive any formal offers but that may change after this revelation.

The 30-year-old will return to New Zealand following the conclusion of his short-term sabbatical in Asia and is available for the 2024 Test season.

NZR deal

However, the back-rower is only contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2025 season, potentially opening up a move.

The NZR will be desperate to tie down one of their prized assets, but the lure of Dupont and the Top 14 may be too much for Savea, who admits that it has been “quiet” in Japan.

“I thought about it bro, I thought about it. I’ve had no proper offers but I would love to play with Dupont one day… or (Romain) Ntamack. Yeah, I don’t know,” he told RugbyPass TV.

“That’s something I loved about playing the World Cup in France, the atmosphere, the fans, the walkout. It’s pitch black in the stadium, techno lights… That’s why we play the game.

“The nerves, the excitement, I loved that. That’s why I kind of struggle here [in Japan], it’s really quiet, no cheering, it’s just [makes hand clapping gesture].”

Ardie Savea urges New Zealand Rugby to ‘evolve’ overseas policy, highlighting Springboks’ success

Savea has been outspoken in the past about the country’s eligibility laws, urging the NZR to make changes, but at the moment the governing body have not budged from their current position.

That means the World Rugby Player of Year would need to remain in New Zealand to carry on playing for the All Blacks.

Following South Africa’s lead

“My thing is if you’re a Kiwi and you’re playing across the world, you should be allowed to [play for the All Blacks],” he said.

“I know there’s rules that are set in place for a reason, but I think to be able to slowly evolve and change, for players to play somewhere else and still be available… I think that should be looked at.

“You look at Jordie Barrett going to Leinster, Irish territory. That’s something that’s never been done but hopefully it just slowly, gradually evolves in that kind of way – us playing here and still be available for the All Blacks.

“I think it would be good. South Africa have proven it. They’ve got boys playing here in this competition [Japan Rugby League One] and they go and become world champions.

“I don’t think there’s one way of doing it but we’ve got to look are keeping on evolving.”

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