Ardie Savea move to Europe could be back on after latest development

Saturday, 18 April 2026 at 08:17

bySteven Smith

Ardie Savea’s future has been thrown into doubt following a major twist in Super Rugby — and it could reopen the door to Europe.

The back-rower was expected to rejoin Moana Pasifika after his Japan sabbatical. But those plans have been rocked after the club confirmed its intention to fold, leaving him without a clear destination.

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EUROPE BACK ON?

That uncertainty has reignited links to Leinster Rugby. Fellow internationals Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett have both spent time in Dublin in recent years, strengthening the pathway between New Zealand rugby and Ireland.

A move would see Savea compete in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup, while also securing a lucrative overseas deal.

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ALL BLACKS RESET

His international future may hinge on his standing with the All Blacks following the coaching transition involving Dave Rennie.

Rennie has stressed alignment and leadership as key pillars of his rebuild, with Savea part of those internal discussions. While there has been speculation about past disruption, there is no confirmed evidence of this, and he remains a key figure in the national setup.

OPTIONS REMAIN

Domestically, the Blues and a return to the Highlanders remain realistic options if he stays in New Zealand.

If he steps away from international rugby, global offers would follow, and he could also one day be eligible to represent Samoa through his heritage.

What once looked like a straightforward return has now developed into a major career crossroads, with multiple pathways still firmly in play.

LATEST RUGBY NEWS:

Rugby’s FIVE Most Overpaid Players in 2026

From underwhelming form to lack of availability, here are five players who haven’t lived up to their reported pay packets.

Most Overpaid Players in 2026:

5. Rieko Ioane — Estimated £500,000

Ioane comes in at five because, while underwhelming, he hasn’t been disastrous.

He’s still contributing and “putting in a shift,” but that’s exactly the issue — at this price point, he should be a standout star, not just another name on the team sheet.

The gap between expectation and delivery is clear, but not quite as severe as others on this list.

4. Cheslin Kolbe — Estimated £950,000

This one is all about standards.

Eight tries in 16 games would be a solid return for most wingers — but Kolbe isn’t most wingers. He’s one of the highest-paid players in the sport.

He hasn’t been poor, just not consistently world-class — and when you’re earning close to £1 million a year, that distinction matters.

3. Steven Luatua — Estimated £500,000

Luatua’s drop-off is hard to ignore.

Once a dominant Premiership force, he now offers limited impact and has played just 351 minutes all season. That’s simply not enough for one of the league’s top earners.

This feels less like a temporary dip and more like a player fading — which makes the salary harder to justify.

2. Ross Byrne — Estimated £400,000

Big signing. Big expectations. Big disappointment.

Byrne was brought in to control games and elevate Gloucester — instead, he’s been dropped in favour of Charlie Atkinson.

For a high-paid fly-half, losing your starting spot is a major red flag. When you combine that with inconsistent performances, it’s hard to argue he’s offering value.

1. Eben Etzebeth — Estimated £800,000

This isn’t about ability — it’s about availability.

Etzebeth is arguably the best lock in the world, but he’s played just 56 minutes since October. Injuries, suspension, and international commitments have kept him off the pitch for the vast majority of the season.

At £800,000 a year, you simply have to play.

Right now, clubs are paying elite money for almost no return — and that makes him the most overpaid player on this list.