Ardie Savea to captain Hurricanes in 2023 season

Hurricanes have announced that New Zealand international Ardie Savea will be leading them in the 2023 season.

This will also be the third time the 29-year-old will be captaining the side and has been part of them for the last 10 years.

He made his Hurricanes debut in 2013 and was part of their side that won the Super Rugby in 2016. Savea made his All Blacks debut in 2016 and captained them to victory in the 2021 Rugby Championship.

“It’s an honour to be able to lead and grow with my Hurricanes brothers for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season," said Savea to the club's official website.

"I’m really looking forward to the season, especially getting out to the communities, when we play Levin against the Crusaders for our preseason [match], and also Palmerston North against the Western Force.

“We’ve just moved into our new facility, and there’s something awesome about change; it’s brought in a lot of energy. It’s refreshing to come in and be in a new space, alongside other professional teams.

"Hopefully being here can help us move forward and help us prepare well for our games".

Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland is excited about Savea continuing the leadership with the club.

“Ardie is a special leader. He’s the sort of guy you just want to follow in whatever he does, and he’s worked hard at his leadership around all the small details, around how to get the best out of the people around him.

“He's been really good at driving us as a group, players and management, about being well planned and really clear in our roles in what we’re leading.

“Ards has a great relationship with all the boys, he cares pretty deeply about the boys and the team, and that really shows in the way that he leads".