A fresh report has lifted the lid on how negotiations between Ardie Savea and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) unfolded during the closing months of 2025—and it challenges much of the earlier noise.
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Speculation had swirled linking Savea to Scott Robertson’s sudden exit as All Blacks head coach in January. But according to Gregor Paul, speaking on Newstalk ZB with D’Arcy Waldegrave, that narrative doesn’t stack up. His findings align closely with NZR’s version of events—any tension from Savea’s side was separate, not part of a wider player uprising.
Paul made it clear: there was no Savea-led revolt. However, the All Blacks star did approach NZR chairman David Kirkwith a request—he wanted out of his current deal early, despite it running through to 2027.
Savea’s globetrotting career shows no sign of slowing. Since leaving New Zealand ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he’s embraced a nomadic schedule—and that looks set to continue after his stint in Japan. Of the All Blacks’ 16 matches in 2026, only one is scheduled in his hometown of Wellington.
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year will still get his standard extended break at season’s end. But come 2027, he’s expected to be based away from Wellington again, lining up for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.
One key decision still hangs in the balance: whether Savea skips the July Test window—where New Zealand host France, Italy and Ireland national rugby union team in the opening block of the new Nations Championship—before rejoining the squad later in the international season.
Despite outside speculation suggesting he could head overseas to join Leinster Rugby and turn his back on the All Blacks, Savea is not quitting international rugby.
Ardie Savea one of SIX All Blacks who can swap nations
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Ardie Savea – Flanker / Number 8 – New Zealand or Samoa
- Position: Flanker / Number 8
- Height / Weight: 190 cm / 102 kg
- All Blacks Caps: 101
- Club: Moana Pasifika
Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
Ardie Savea (born 14 October 1993 in Wellington) is one of the most influential loose forwards of his generation, renowned for his explosive ball-carrying, defensive work rate, leadership and consistency at the highest level. A former World Rugby Player of the Year, Savea has been a central figure for both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks over the past decade.
Recent reporting has pointed to internal tensions within the All Blacks environment, prompting speculation around Savea’s long-term future. That discussion has coincided with links to a potential move to Europe, with Irish province Leinster mentioned as a possible destination should he elect to pursue club rugby offshore following his current sabbatical in Japan.
Savea is of Samoan heritage and, under World Rugby eligibility regulations, could represent Samoa after completing the required stand-down period from international rugby. He has previously spoken with pride about his heritage, but there has been no indication that a decision regarding an international switch has been made.
He remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby and is expected to return to Super Rugby, though the combination of overseas interest, eligibility flexibility and reported fallout has placed his international future under closer scrutiny than at any point in his career.
Hoskins Sotutu – Flanker / Number 8 – England or Fiji
- Position: Flanker / Number 8
- Height / Weight: 192 cm / 106 kg
- All Blacks Caps: ~14
- Club: Blues (NZ) (joining Newcastle Red Bulls in 2026)
Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
Hoskins Colin Ryder Sotutu (born 12 July 1998 in Auckland) is a powerful, dynamic loose forward with a well-rounded game, known for his ball-carrying, offloading, and breakdown work. His pedigree includes New Zealand Secondary Schools and U20 representation.
He is eligible for England through his mother and Fiji through his father. After attracting strong interest from clubs across the Gallagher Premiership, Sotutu has agreed a move to Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026, securing his future in the northern hemisphere.
While he will remain with the Blues until then, the impending switch brings his international future into focus. Under World Rugby eligibility regulations, he could still qualify to represent either England or Fiji in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, offering both nations a powerful and skilful loose forward option.
