New Zealand rugby star Ardie Savea is weighing his playing future amid ongoing speculation surrounding a potential move to Super Rugby franchise the Blues following the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Savea remains contracted with New Zealand Rugby through next year, but his long-term domestic destination beyond his current commitments has drawn significant interest across the sport.
Contract Status and Future Club Options
Savea signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika starting in 2025, though that agreement included a sabbatical in Japan during the second year where he made 12 appearances for the club. With senior loose forwards Hoskins Sotutu and Dalton Papali’i departing the Blues, the Auckland-based franchise has emerged as a logical destination for the loose forward. Adding further weight to speculation linking him to Auckland, Savea’s former Hurricanes coach Jason Holland is scheduled to take charge of the Blues in 2027.
Current Injury Recovery Timeline
The 32-year-old forward is recovering from surgery on a dislocated shoulder. Medical staff have not confirmed a precise return date for the veteran back-rower, though expectations indicate he will miss New Zealand’s upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests against the Wallabies. Savea sustained the shoulder injury during the first half of the third test against the Springboks in Soweto, exiting after a clear-out at a ruck involving Malcolm Marx.
Super Rugby Pacific 2027 Schedule Context
As discussions regarding player movements continue, tournament organizers have mapped out the opening schedule for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Action kicks off on February 12 when the Crusaders host the Reds in Christchurch. The competition will also stage its centralized Super Round in Christchurch, with matches beginning on April 2.