Ardie Savea drops huge hint over his future after Leinster links

The 32-year-old has been linked with several blockbuster moves beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, including a return to Japan, a potential switch to Irish giants Leinster and even a sensational move to rugby league.

However, Savea’s immediate future now appears increasingly likely to remain much closer to home.

Savea had been expected to return to Moana Pasifika following his latest stint in Japan with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

However, uncertainty surrounding Moana has opened the door for the former World Rugby Player of the Year to continue his Super Rugby career elsewhere.

The Blues have emerged as the most likely destination, with Savea strongly linked with a move to Auckland for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Such a switch would make plenty of sense as he builds towards what could be his final Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks.

Ardie Savea has now added further fuel to the speculation by dropping a sizeable hint over his next move, increasing expectations that he could pull on a Blues jersey in the run-up to the tournament in Australia.

That remains the bigger question.

Savea's future beyond 2027 is far less certain, with another lucrative spell in Japan among the possibilities.

Leinster have also been linked with an audacious move for the back-row superstar, while rugby league has repeatedly been mentioned as another potential destination should Savea decide to pursue a new challenge.

For now, though, the signs increasingly point towards Auckland and the Blues before attention turns to what could be the final chapter of his All Blacks career.