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Ardie Savea, center, with Moana Pasifika chairman and former All Black player Sir Michael Jones on Monday.
photo: RNZ Pacific/Grace Tintali-Fiavaai
In a moving, community-focused event, All Blacks star Ardie Savea, who returned from the United States, was officially announced to the Pacific Island nation of Moana.
Savea, who has 84 caps as vice-captain of the Blacks, admitted that the decision to sign for the team of players of Pacific Island descent was made easier “because of the help and guidance of God and wise people around me”.
“When I made the announcement, it felt special to press send because I was able to represent my people and my culture,” the No. 8 player said during a news conference in Oakland on Monday.
The event was attended by students from Tamaki College and Otahuhu College, as well as Pacific media organisations and journalists. It was an intimate announcement, with Savea specifically inviting them to make it a priority to work with these children, just as Ma’a Nonu has done.
“From my heart, it’s time to give back and reunite with my brothers,” he said.
Savea captained the All Blacks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and in the historic 100th Test match against the Springboks in 2021.
When asked if he would make the move to Manu Samoa, Savea said this is the closest he has ever come as he is on the journey to learn about his Pacific culture and roots.
“I wish I could but I can’t because I’m obviously signed to New Zealand Rugby until 2027 and by then I’ll be 33, 34, so my legs are old.
“But I’ve always wanted to come in my heart… If I change teams, it won’t be after my career. I want to come when I’m still in good shape. Although I can’t represent Samoa, I feel that Moana is my Samoa, so I will give my all.
Adi Savea.
photo: Andrew Konaga/www.photosport.nz
“I’m going to do everything I can to keep growing, keep learning, keep adapting… and try to have the best of the next few years.”
Moana Pasifika president and former All Black Laauili player Sir Michael Jones said they wanted the movement to be bigger than rugby.
“That’s what they’ve always done, that’s always been why they do it, they want to see young men and women in the community not only achieve their dreams but reach their full God-given potential in life and out there, whether it’s in education, journalism, business or politics, those are things that we’re interested in, that’s why we do these things.”
Coach Laauli Tana Umaga said it would take a while to get going to form a team specifically for Pacific Island players “from front to back” in a professionally led environment.
“It’s not just for us now, but it’s about paving a path that was started long before us and hopefully we can make it sustainable and continue it for those behind us.”
After playing one season for the Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Rugby League A, Savea joined Moana Pacific alongside his brother, former All Black Julian Savea.
Savea is looking forward to the future and is ready to prove people wrong about his switch to Moana Pasifika.
“What I’m most looking forward to is proving a lot of people wrong. I’m being very honest … proving to people that Moana Pasifika is a great team and that they have these great players and a great coach on the team.”
Savia stressed how happy his brother Julian was.
“I called him… told him I’ll see you soon. I think he just woke up. He couldn’t believe it. But he was happy.
“It’s cool… We started together and it’s cool to end together.”
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