Ardie Savea’s future is back in the spotlight, with the All Blacks captain facing a potentially defining 12 months.
The 32-year-old is currently sidelined after dislocating his shoulder during New Zealand’s recent series against South Africa.
Savea will undergo surgery and has already been ruled out of the upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia, with New Zealand Rugby confirming that a return date will only be established after his operation.
The injury could also keep him out of the All Blacks’ Nations Championship fixtures against Scotland, Wales and England in November.
It follows a demanding period for Savea, who was recently given an extended break by the All Blacks following a relentless run of rugby.
Blues move gathering momentum
Attention is also turning towards where Savea will play when he returns.
His Super Rugby future was thrown into uncertainty following the demise of Moana Pasifika, but the Blues have emerged as the increasingly likely destination for 2027.
A recent report from The Post strengthened those links, while Blues chief executive Karl Budge has confirmed the Auckland club's interest.
Savea has also fuelled speculation himself, joking when asked about joining the Blues: “You gotta ask Rieko. Rieko's the boss. Whatever Rieko says, I do.”
RUCK previously reported on the growing expectation that Savea will join the Blues, potentially on a one-year deal taking him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Final year with the All Blacks?
What happens afterwards is the bigger question.
Savea’s existing New Zealand Rugby contract expires following the World Cup and there is growing speculation that the tournament could be his international swansong.
Nothing has been officially confirmed, but a move overseas after 2027 would make sense financially and personally.
Savea has already experienced Japanese rugby with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, while Planet Rugby has highlighted another overseas stint as an attractive post-World Cup option.
Europe has also been discussed. Savea has previously been linked with a blockbuster switch to Leinster, while wealthy French clubs would inevitably be interested if one of the world's leading back-rowers became available.
For now, recovery comes first.
But the path is becoming clearer: surgery, potentially one season with the Blues, another shot at the World Cup — and then possibly the end of an extraordinary All Blacks career.
