Rugby star Savea headed to Kobe Steelers
Reading Time: 1min | Mon. 17.10.22. | 09:37
Other New Zealanders to have played for Kobelco Kobe Steelers include Retallick, Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden, Tom Franklin, Richard Buckman and Hayden Parker
All Blacks back-row forward Ardie Savea will spend a season in Japan following next year's Rugby World Cup before returning to play for New Zealand in 2024, it was announced Monday.
The 29-year-old plans to join Kobe Steelers on a short-term contract in early 2024 after the Rugby World Cup in France.
Savea, who plays for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, plans to return in June 2024 and play out his current New Zealand Rugby contract, which expires in 2025.
— ardie savea (@ardiesavea) October 17, 2022
"I am excited to be joining Kobe Steelers after the 2023 rugby season," Savea said in a statement.
"Playing in Japan is going to be an awesome experience and I am ready to embrace their beautiful culture."
Savea, who can play at flanker or No.8, has played 67 Tests for New Zealand.
"Super Rugby Pacific 2023 will be Ardie's 11th year with the Hurricanes so to be able to play somewhere different after next year's competition will be a great experience for him and his young family," New Zealand Rugby professional rugby manager Simon Simmers said.
Under New Zealand Rugby Board policy, Savea will be immediately eligible to be selected by the All Blacks on his return in 2024 - an arrangement made for other long-serving All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Samuel Whitelock in recent years.
© Agence France-Presse
