All Blacks captain Ardie Savea signs with the Blues for what he calls his last Super Rugby season in New Zealand.
Ardie Savea has signed with the Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The All Blacks (1.16) captain returns to New Zealand rugby following the collapse of Moana Pasifika.
A Long-Awaited Decision
Savea revealed his decision during a live stream on his YouTube channel from Wellington. He tried on jerseys from several rival franchises before confirming his choice.
“It’s going to be the last Super Rugby team I play for,” Savea said.
He called the move “the last dance” of his domestic career in New Zealand. Savea previously played more than 130 matches for the Hurricanes between 2013 and 2023. He then spent time in Japan before representing Moana Pasifika in 2025, where he was named Player of the Year.
Why The Blues Appealed To Him
Savea explained his connection to Auckland runs deeper than rugby itself: “The Blues have always been on my heart,” he said.
He described the opportunity to unite the city’s diverse communities through sport: “In Auckland we represent so many ethnicities and cultures, so what a great chance to use rugby as a vehicle,” Savea said.
He also honoured his former Moana Pasifika teammates during the announcement. Blues chief executive Karl Budge welcomed the signing enthusiastically.
“He’s one of the most entertaining people I’ve ever met,” Budge said. “He’s going to make a huge contribution on and off the field,” he added.
Returning From Injury
Savea is currently sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery following his dislocation during the Springboks series. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year previously and remains one of the sport’s biggest personalities.
His signing represents a major coup for a Blues side that has not reached the final since 2024. The loose forward group he joins has lost Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu to overseas clubs.
Anton Segner, Torian Barnes, Malachi Wrampling and Che Clark will compete alongside him for places. Savea has signed a one-year deal and could depart New Zealand after next year’s World Cup.
A Big Day For New Zealand Rugby
Savea’s announcement came alongside news of fellow All Black Semisi Tupou Taeiloa joining the Hurricanes. The young forward signed a two-year deal with the defending champions. Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw praised his potential after first spotting him with New Zealand’s U19 side.
Savea becomes the Blues’ fourth new signing for 2027, alongside Nic Shearer and Darby Lancaster. All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane also returns to the club following his sabbatical with Leinster (1.03). The Blues open their season against Savea’s former club, the Hurricanes, on 13 February.
