The Significance of Ardie Savea Joining Moana Pasifika
Ardie Savea playing for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup in France. Source: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz.
Ardie Savea may be the best rugby player Aotearoa has produced over the last decade, making his All-Blacks debut in 2016 vs Wales, and going on to appear in more than 85 games – and counting – in the famous black jersey, not to mention being the team’s current vice-captain.
For the past 11 years, Savea has been playing club rugby for his hometown team, the Hurricanes. During his time with the Hurricanes, he has gone on to become one of the city's most beloved players and played a key role in bringing the city its first and only Super Rugby title.
However, with his Hurricanes contract ending at the end of the 2024 season, Savea did what very little expected and signed for Moana Pasifika until 2027, teaming up with his brother Julian.
As news that shocked the rugby world, many thought the loyal Hurricane would extend his stay at the capital-based club, but Savea felt it was time for a new challenge.
“It's time to give back,” Savea said to RNZ.
“I've always wanted to come [to Moana Pasifika]. I wanted to come when I'm still good. Even though I can't represent Samoa, I feel like Moana is my Samoa, so I'm going to give it everything. I'm going to give it everything to be better to grow, to learn, get uncomfortable… to try to have a good next couple of years.”
Ardie Savea with Moana Pasifika Chairman, Sir Micheal Jones (left) and Moana Pasifika Head Coach, Tana Umaga (right). Source: Pasifika Medical Association Group.
Savea underlined that paying homage to his Samoan roots was a huge factor when making his decision to join Moana Pasifika.
“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started,” said Savea in a statement to Moana Pasifika.
Despite being based in Auckland, Moana Pasifika represents the Pacific Islands and mainly comprises players born in the islands or of Pasifika heritage, like Savea.
So what makes Savea’s move so significant? It represents a turning point for Pasifika rugby.
For context, Moana Pasifika has won seven out of a possible 42 games since they first came into the competition in 2022, with their squad being made up of lesser-known names when compared to the star-studded New Zealand teams.
By securing one of the biggest names in world rugby, Moana Pasifika became a more desirable destination for players.
“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans,” said Moana Pasifika Head Coach Tana Umaga in a statement.
“As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”
However, this move transcends to something much bigger than just rugby, something former All-Black and current Moana Pasifika Chairman, Sir Micheal Jones highlighted in an interview with RNZ.
"It's always been about that, to see young men and women in their community not only fulfil dreams but also to fulfil their God-given potential in life and out there, whether that's education, journalism, business, politics, we're interested, this is why we do what we do."
Savea hopes his actions will inspire others to pay homage to their roots and go against the norms of what a ‘traditional’ rugby career looks like.
Like every great All-Black before him, people expected Savea to stay with his hometown team and look to try to bring home one last Super Rugby championship before heading overseas for one last payday. The reaction to Savea’s move has been met with plenty of support but also a lot of criticism, with the belief that this move jeopardises his spot in the All Blacks squad.
“That's been one of the biggest risks of signing with Moana, according to some people, but that's a great challenge and it's something that ignites a fire in myself,” Savea said in an interview on The Morning Shift Podcast.
“I just see it as a disrespect to the Moana Pasifika team and for the brothers that are listening in the team, what an awesome motivation to hold. People and organisations telling me that I'm going to be a real soft player playing at Moana when I go into the All Blacks, that just riles me up, it's doubting my people”
No matter what your opinion is on Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika, one thing is for certain, it not only influences this up-and-coming super rugby season but also influences the next generation of Pasifika people.
Savea could’ve chosen the easy path, stayed in Wellington and bowed out as a Hurricanes legend - however, he chose the path to inspire the next generation and become part of something bigger than just rugby.