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All black people The Ardie Save captain has ended months of speculation about his career by confirming his “last dance” in Super Rugby Pacific it will be with the Blues. Savea teased the announcement for around 40 minutes on a YouTube live stream, before making the move official on Instagram.
Savea played more than 130 Super Rugby matches for Hurricanes before going abroad Japan with Kobe Kobelco Steelers. The last player returned to Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 with Pacific Ocean and was named the competition’s player of the year.
Others Japan Rugby League One campaign followed, helping Kobe win the JRLO title while playing under current All BLacks coach Dave Rennie. But with Moana Pasifika no longer part of Super Rugby Pacific, where Savea will land, was a hot topic of conversation.
Savea teased the move on social media, sharing a video on September 24 that included footage of the airport’s departure board. It has been widely reported that the loose forward is ready to join Blues for next season, and now it’s official: the rumors are true.
“Just go jump on Instagram, go see where I signed, then come back to the chat and let me know what you think,” Savea said in the livestream.
Savea wore a Highlanders jersey at one stage during the stream and later called out brother Julian in a Hurricanes shirt. “Never go back to your ex,” Julian said, about 10 minutes before Ardie pulled on a Blues shirt for the first time.
“I signed with the Blues for 2027 next year,” added Savea. “And you know what, did you read my ‘last dance’ caption?
“The reason I had the last dance is because it will be my last Super Rugby team to play for in New Zealand, hence the name the last dance.
“Moana is obviously out of the competition and shout out to my brothers in Moana… I’m truly blessed to have Blues by my side. I can’t wait.”
It was a big signing day in New Zealand, with All Blacks player Semisi Ta’eiloa signing for the defending champions Hurricanes. Ta’eiloa has signed a two-year deal as the Canes look to defend their title next season.
“It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal. He has a lot of potential as he has played in Super Rugby Pacific for a number of years,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“The first time I saw him play was when he was in the game South Africa with New Zealand U19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in handling and passing the ball was evident.
“To be picked by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows what potential he has. We really look forward to working with him and helping him fulfill that potential over the next few years. He is only 22 years old and his game will develop and grow.
“He is someone who has already played Super Rugby at such a high level and played so well at such a young age, and he will complement the guys we already have.
“It’s hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start developing his game and getting him to understand how we want to play the game, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the club.”
