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Ardie Savea accepts being in an “unexpected place” after signing a contract with Blues on a one-year contract following the collapse of Moana Pasifika, admitting the move wasn’t exactly on his career bingo card.
The All black people The Wellington-born and raised captain revealed the next chapter of his Super Rugby career would take place in the City of Sails during a livestream on his YouTube channel on Friday afternoon, after teasing the move on social media earlier this week.
He will join the former Hurricanes coach Jason Holland in the new look Blues camp for the final year of his current one New Zealand Rugby contract, going back to Auckland after his influential season on the north coast s Pacific Ocean in 2025
There was no shortage of offers on the table for the 2023 World Rugby player of the year, but as Savea revealed after announcing his decision, his links with the club attracted him.
“The blues has always been in my heart,” explained Savea. “I had really good friends who played there, Rieko (Ioane), Mamba (Mark Tele’a), and I always thought it would be great to play.
“I’ve seen the growth in Alf (Jason Holland) and I’ve just seen the success he’s had with previous teams. You’re kind of seeing the fruits of his labor, and I’m excited. I think we’re all going to be excited.”
While Tele’a is no longer at the Auckland club, Ioane is returning home after a season abroad Leinster it seems to have reignited his attacking game. That refresh will be further enhanced by the more attack-oriented approach Holland will bring to the team compared to former head coach Vern Cotter. One of the most explosive attacking talents in rugby history, Savea’s arrival adds another level of X-factor to a back-row unit brimming with potential.
The signing also follows several big departures for the Blues, who lost former captain Dalton Papali’i and fellow All Black Hoskins Sotuta after last season.
Delving into his thought process, Savea shared some of the philosophical reasons behind his decision.
“Obviously my beliefs are about being authentic yourself and there’s no team that exemplifies that like the Blues. You know, you’ve got Swags (Hoskins Sotutu), you’ve got Joker (Rieko Ioane).
“You see the guys, you know, fashion wise and whatnot. And hearing Alfie say, I’m just excited that they want to play the game too.”
“So for me, man, I think I’m purpose over circumstance. Being able to go to ’09, the city that I used to live in, and actually just get people together and play the style of game that we want to unify our city.
“But also for me to be in an unexpected place – If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be playing for the Blues, I would have laughed at you. But there is something nice about being in an unexpected place. It allows you to grow, it allows you to learn and stay fresh.”
“I think that for me, when an athlete feels really safe, it brings out the best in him, and I think that can be seen with the Blues.”
“Obviously, there’s a perception that I’m the leader in the international team, and you know, the older guy. But to stay young, you have to be down with the people. You can’t be at the top of the director. You have to serve. You have to be with the people; you have to eat at the same table. You don’t see yourself as more than anybody.
“So to be able to serve and be with the boys and create something special, hopefully, and bring the chip home, that’s going to be great. And that’s my goal: to win the chip, but also enjoy it at the same time.”
