Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett recommit to New Zealand Rugby

Jul 16 • General News, Super Rugby, Super Rugby News • 1504 Views • Comments Off on Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett recommit to New Zealand Rugby

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Hurricanes have re-signed two key players, with loose forward Ardie Savea and outside back Jordie Barrett re-committing to the national body and the Super club.

24-year-old Savea and 21-year-old Barrett have recommitted through to the end of the 2019 season.

25-Test Savea made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2013 and All Blacks Test debut in 2016, while Barrett made his Super and Test debut in 2017. He has played five Tests.

Savea said: “Wellington is my home town and it’s great I can stay here and contribute as much as I can for the Hurricanes. Also, we all know how important next year is for the All Blacks with the Rugby World Cup in Japan and I really want to be a part of that campaign.”

Barrett said: “I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment after missing the back end of last season.

“Hopefully I can play my part in helping the Hurricanes go as far as we can this season and next, and if my form warrants it, I can also be involved in the All Blacks.”

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen added: “It’s great to have two young players recommitting to New Zealand Rugby and their Super club. Ardie and Jordie are both incredibly talented footballers in their own right, have been outstanding in our environment and done the jersey proud and we look forward to working with both of them.”

John Plumtree, who will take over as Head Coach of the Hurricanes in 2019, was delighted to have Barrett and Savea commit to the club for another year.

“It goes without saying that they are both world-class players,” he said.

“Ardie has become an important leader within the squad, even though he’s still quite young, while Jordie has quickly established himself as one of the best and most versatile players in the competition. They really want to stay at the Hurricanes and build on what we are doing so I really look forward to working alongside them to do that.”

Mini bios – Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett

Ardie Savea has continued to go from strength to strength in the All Blacks, playing 10 Tests in 2017, and all three Tests in the recent Steinlager Series. Savea burst onto the national scene in 2012 at just 18 years old when he made his provincial debut for Wellington. He impressed many with a series of electric performances at openside flanker and No. 8 and is blessed with speed and athleticism, while his ability to stay alive in the tackle is second to none. Savea made his Super debut in 2013, then played for New Zealand Under 20 and later that year toured with the All Blacks on their year-end tour as a non-playing apprentice. He finished the year winning the New Zealand Age Grade award. His leadership potential had been apparent for some time – he was head boy at Rongotai College, captained his First XV side, the New Zealand Schools side, and his Wellington provincial side.

Born into a rugby-mad family, Jordie Barrett can play fullback, first-five or in the midfield and is a handy goal kicker. Jordie has been tagged for big things since his days at New Plymouth’s Francis Douglas Memorial College. A talented fast bowler in cricket, Barrett chose rugby and headed down south to Lincoln University to study commerce. In 2016, after just one season of Mitre 10 Cup rugby, he toured as an apprentice with the All Blacks to the Northern Hemisphere. In 2017 he made his Hurricanes debut, scoring 135 points including seven tries, in the Super season. He made his All Blacks Test debut against Samoa and scored a try in the drawn Series decider against the British & Irish Lions. His outstanding season was cut short by a shoulder injury but he has returned in 2018 in sparkling form.