Ardie Savea signs with NZ Rugby and Hurricanes for two more years
All Blacks and Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea has inked a new two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes, recommitting through until 2018.
The 22-year-old, who made his All Blacks Test debut against Wales during this year’s Steinlager Series, said it had been an easy decision to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes.
“I’m loving my rugby right now at all levels of the game and I’m excited about the future with both the Hurricanes and, if I’m good enough to be selected again, the All Blacks.
“Wellington is my home and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to continue my career close to family and friends.”
Savea, who made his Hurricanes debut in 2013, said the environment at the club had been a big part of his development and he was looking forward to continuing to improve over the next two seasons.
“After breaking into the starting team last year, I want to push on and hopefully I can help the team reach higher honours.”
Savea’s re-signing has also been welcomed by New Zealand Rugby’s General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen.
“Ardie is a fantastic footballer and a real fan favourite, not only for the way he plays the game, but also because he’s an outstanding young man off the field who has already done so much for our game.
“He’s a strong-minded individual who dances to his own beat, is highly respected by his peers and has huge potential and we’re all excited to see how he grows over the next few years.”
Hurricanes Coach Chris Boyd said there had never been any doubt about Savea’s raw talent and he too was excited about watching him achieve his full potential.
“Everybody talks about Ardie’s talent, but what they may not see is that he’s a real team man and he puts everything he has into his rugby.
“There’s no doubt he’s a key man for the Hurricanes going forward and we’re all looking forward to the next stage of his development.”
Ardie Savea – mini biography
22-year-old Ardie Savea, who made his All Blacks debut this year, has been a fan favourite since his breakout season with the All Blacks Sevens and Wellington in 2012. He again showcased his incredible talents in what was a busy 2013 for the young loose forward: he made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes, captained the New Zealand Under 20s at the Junior World Cup in South Africa, returned to play a key role for Wellington in the ITM Cup, toured with the All Blacks as an apprentice on their year-end tour and ended the year by being named New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year. Since that opportunity, Savea has continued to develop his speed and athleticism and his spectacular all-round game has been again to the fore in this year’s Investec Super Rugby competition and Steinlager Series.
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