Hurricanes’ ‘insensitive’ verdict on Ardie Savea talk in the wake of Moana Pasifika’s demise
All Blacks star Ardie Savea and Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw.
Hurricanes boss Clark Laidlaw insists that it is “too soon” to consider a move for All Blacks star Ardie Savea following Moana Pasifika’s demise.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the franchise would be axed from Super Rugby Pacific due to the financial burden placed on them.
Savea, who is their captain, has been their prized asset and is contracted to the side until the end of 2027, but he will now be looking for a new club.
The back-rower is currently on a sabbatical in Japan having signed with Dave Rennie’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers, but he will be looking for somewhere to play next season.
Hurricanes an obvious fit
Speculation is therefore rife about where the 32-year-old will end up next and the Hurricanes is an obvious fit given that he spent a decade in Wellington before switching to the Pacific Island franchise.
“It’s way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it. We’re preparing for the Chiefs and it probably feels a wee bit insensitive almost, thinking about their players in such a short period of time,” he told reporters.
“There’s a lot of good players up there that will be looking for work around the country and I’m sure our head will turn if there’s anybody we think can strengthen our team but I’m sure all the teams are the same.”
Savea would have no shortage of suitors having established himself as one of the best players in the world but a deal with a New Zealand-based side is the most likely due to the impending Rugby World Cup.
If it is not the Hurricanes then the other Super Rugby teams in the country will probably be putting their hand up to bring them there.
With the back-rower contracted with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027, he would need to break that in order to sign a longer-term deal abroad.
That means a stint with one of the New Zealand franchises, or perhaps even another sabbatical in Japan ahead of the global tournament, is the next logical step.
Leaving the country cannot be completely ruled out, however, given his reported unhappiness while representing the All Blacks in 2025 as he struggled with being away from his family.
Moana’s sad demise
Either way, it is a sad situation for both Moana and Savea, with the All Blacks star revelling in his move to the franchise and producing his best-ever domestic campaign.
Laidlaw feels that he understands well what everyone connected to the team is going through having worked at English club London Irish, albeit a few years before they went into administration.
“It’s just sad, isn’t it? I worked for a club in the UK that ended up like that and I’ve been in a team that got relegated out of the Premiership and people lose their jobs and it’s pretty heartbreaking,” he added.
“It’s another reminder that pro sport can be pretty brutal. The cost of living and the way the world is at the moment, it’s really difficult to stay financially stable even as families let alone professional rugby teams.
“It’s tough and we’re feeling for them. There’s a whole heap of good people up there that will be doing it tough this week.”
