Hurricanes head coach addresses Ardie Savea links

Moana Pasifika has become a key pathway for Pacific talent, with Savea standing out as their marquee player. As a result, he is expected to attract strong interest from clubs worldwide in the coming months.

After struggling financially and failing to deliver consistent results on the field, the Super Rugby Pacific side announced this week that it will withdraw at the end of the season. The decision reduces the competition to 10 teams and leaves many players searching for contracts for 2027.

Savea, who is currently on sabbatical in Japan, had planned to return to Moana next year after agreeing to a three-year deal following his departure from the Hurricanes ahead of the 2025 season. With Moana’s exit, he is now effectively a free agent.

It is widely expected that Savea will remain in New Zealand and join another domestic team in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup.

Having spent a decade with the Hurricanes in his hometown of Wellington, a return there could seem logical.

The Hurricanes are currently leading the standings and would present an attractive option. However, their back row is already well stocked, potentially limiting the need for a player in Savea’s position.

In contrast, the Blues may have a greater need, particularly with Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu set to depart at the end of the season.

Despite the growing speculation, Laidlaw emphasised that it is far too early to consider recruiting players from Moana Pasifika.

“It’s way too soon. We haven’t even thought about it. We’re preparing for the Chiefs and it probably feels a wee bit insensitive almost, thinking about their players in such a short period of time.

“There’s a lot of good players up there that will be looking for work around the country and I’m sure our head will turn if there’s anybody we think can strengthen our team but I’m sure all the teams are the same.”

Laidlaw added that the situation resonates personally, recalling his time as an assistant coach at London Irish before the club went into administration.

Moana Pasifika becomes the second Super Rugby team to collapse in three seasons, following the Melbourne Rebels in 2024.

“It’s just sad, isn’t it? I worked for a club in the UK that ended up like that in London Irish and I’ve been in a team that got relegated out of the Premiership and people lose their jobs and it’s pretty heartbreaking.

“It’s another reminder that pro sport can be pretty brutal. The cost of living and the way the world is at the moment, it’s really difficult to stay financially stable even as families let alone professional rugby teams.

“It’s tough and we’re feeling for them. There’s a whole heap of good people up there that will be doing it tough this week.”