All Blacks legend Ardie Savea reveals 'last dance' with Super Rugby's Blues

By SABC Sport
2nd October 2026

In a surprise move, All Blacks captain Ardie Savea ended speculation about his future when he signed a one-year contract with the Blues.

Savea earned over 160 appearances for Wellington and the Hurricanes during his storied career, lifting the 2016 Super Rugby title with them.

In 2023, he left New Zealand shores for the first time for a Kobe Steelers contract, returned to run out for the new Moana Pasifika, then went back to Japan to lift the League One trophy with the Steelers.

So it should come as some surprise that the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year has signed with the rival Blues. The flanker took to a livestream on Instagram to reveal his future.

"I've signed with the Blues for 2027 next year," said the 32-year-old.

"And you know what, did you guys read my caption the 'last dance'? The reason why I had the last dance is because it's going to be my last Super Rugby team that I'm going to play for in New Zealand, so hence why it's called the last dance.

"Moana obviously not in the comp and shoutout to my brothers at Moana...really blessed to have the Blues beside me. Can't wait."