All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has potentially revealed his new Super Rugby Franchise in a series of quotes before the Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa.
The skipper had been on sabbatical in Japan from Super Rugby and was due to return to Moana Pasifika, who have since folded due to financial difficulties.
When asked about a possible next step, specifically the Blues, Savea may have given a hint.
The quotes, reported by Rugby Lad state; “You gotta ask Rieko [Ioane]. Rieko’s the boss. Whatever Rieko says, I do.”
Ioane himself is returning to New Zealand after a sabbatical at Leinster, where he reached the European Champions Cup finals and won the URC.
Both players will be looking to have an impactful 2027 season ahead of the World Cup in November. New All Blacks coach is giving Savea time to rest and won’t see him travel to South Africa for the opening fixtures of the tour, but will focus his efforts on being fully fit for the first test
Reiko Ioane: Auckland through and through
Reiko Ioane is a man, if he had some influence in Savea’s ear would be trying to convince him on a move to the northern city. Savea would have been based on Auckland when playing for Moana Pasifika and ultimately would have been planning on returning anyway.
Ioane grew up at Ponsonby Rugby Club in the heart of Auckland and burst onto the scene when the star player for Auckland Grammar School. He went on to play NPC for Auckland and has only played for the Blues in Super Rugby.
