Ardie Savea signs with Blues for 2027

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has signed with the Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, moving to the Auckland franchise following Moana Pasifika’s departure from the competition.

Ardie Savea joins Blues for 2027 season

Savea had been contracted to return to Moana Pasifika in 2027 after spending the 2026 Japanese season with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, but the franchise will not compete in Super Rugby Pacific next year.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed in June that Moana Pasifika’s licence would not be transferred to another party, with the competition moving to a 10-team format in 2027.

Savea said joining the Blues offered an opportunity he had long considered.

“First and foremost I honour Moana and their team no longer being in the competition, but the Blues have always been on my heart,” Savea said.

“I’ve always thought how awesome it would be to play there, and I’ve been really blessed with this opportunity.”

Savea targets impact on and off the field

The 32-year-old said his ambitions in Auckland extend beyond results, highlighting the opportunity to connect with the city’s diverse communities through rugby.

“How I see the Blues is a team that wins on the field, but also wins off it,” he said.

“That’s by uniting our city through how we play, how we do things, and bringing laughter, joy and excitement.”

Blues welcome All Blacks captain

Blues CEO Karl Budge said Savea’s playing ability, leadership and personality would make him an important addition as the club looks to strengthen its connection with Auckland.

Budge described Savea as someone capable of making a significant contribution both on and off the field and said his arrival represented a new chapter for the Blues and the wider region.

“We’re incredibly happy to have someone not only of his playing and leadership capability, but also, we’re pretty obsessed about how we win back the city, and he’s going to make a huge contribution on and off the field. He’s one of the most entertaining people I've ever met,” Budge said.

“Rugby needs personalities, so to have that in a place where Ardie and the rest of our squad can be authentically themselves is really exciting. We will be having plenty of fun together, and it adds to a new chapter for the club and this region.”