Savea back for another ride with Moana Pasifika

· Lynn McConnell · action press
h 00142385
Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea is not done with playing yet, while Highlanders' assistant coach Kendrick Lynn has been appointed an assistant coach with Argentina.

Moana Pasifika announced that Savea, 33, has extended his contract to play Super Rugby Pacific next year.

Transferring from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika for the 2024 season, Savea solidified his place in the side's midfield. He played in 12 of their 14 games, his 852 minutes being second highest in the team and the most among the backs.

He is the competition's second-highest try scorer, with his 62 being second to former Hurricanes and All Blacks teammate halfback TJ Perenara.

Savea said, "What I'm looking forward to most about 2025 is getting another opportunity to make the playoffs and get better as a team. This environment has been amazing experiencing my culture everyday and getting the best out of myself and the team."

Savea has a goal of being the best second five-eighths in the competition.

Coach Tana Umaga said Savea had a standout year for the side in a new position and won their best back of the year award.

"He's only going to get better in thos position. He was also a strong leader for us this year both on and off the field. He was able to show our young players how to be more professional in their approach to preparation and the game."

Lynn returned to the Highlanders for the 2024 season. He had ended his playing career with Lyon, where he also started his early coaching.

He said he intended to see out his contract with the Highlanders when returning from France.

"But an opportunity to coach at the international level has always been a personal goal.

"I am delighted to be taking up the role with the Pumas but disappointed I will not be carrying on with the Highlanders. I appreciate everything this organisation has done for me. I've loved this season and look forward to watching the team in the next few years."

LATEST NEWS

View all
Tuipulotu defies medical odds for shot at Super Rugby Pacific glory
Blues captain and lock Patrick Tuipulotu has defied the medical odds and will lead the team in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific final with the Chiefs at a sold-out Eden Park on Saturday.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific: Grand Final Teams
The Blues and Chiefs have confirmed their sides for the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Final.
How recently departed All Blacks have ‘passed the baton’ to rising stars
All Blacks Assistant Coach Jason Ryan has shared valuable insights into the significant impact that departing senior players have had on the development of New Zealand's rising rugby stars.

England sense opportunity against new era All Blacks
England is heading to New Zealand looking to catch Scott Robertson's incoming regime on the hop.
Larkham gives Blues the edge in Grand Final
Beaten Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said the Blues will be hard to beat when hosting the Chiefs in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific final at Eden Park.
McMillan's final premonition comes true
Frustration from being a beaten finalist last year will see the Chiefs throw everything at the Blues in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific final at Eden Park.
Vern Cotter Confident yet cautious ahead of DHL Super Rugby Pacific final
Satisfying as it has been for the Blues to make Saturday's final of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition, they know their best performance of the season will be required to beat the Chiefs at Eden Park.
Chiefs stun Hurricanes to claim spot in final against the Blues
Chiefs coach Cameron McMillan predicted it three weeks ago and his players delivered an upset 30-19 win over the minor premier Hurricanes to gain a place in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific final against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
All Blacks' New Selection Process Under Scott Robertson
Excitement is building as the All Blacks prepare to unveil the first squad of 2024 on 24 June where 32 players will hear their names read out ahead of the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series.
Chiefs quietly confident ahead of semifinal showdown
Protagonists in two of the better games in the regular DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition, the Chiefs and Hurricanes face a winner-takes-all contest in their semifinal in Wellington on Saturday.
Hurricanes eye three-peat of wins over Chiefs to make final
Two-up, but with the most crucial game still to play, Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal, the Hurricanes are ready for a full-frontal assault from the Chiefs at SKY Stadium.
Blues on high alert ahead of Brumbies knockout clash
Recent rivalry between the Blues and Brumbies has the Auckland-based side on high alert ahead of their DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal at Eden Park on Friday.
Flynn and Hill add throwing and kicking expertise to All Blacks
Corey Flynn and David Hill will add their throwing and kicking expertise respectively to the All Blacks environment during the 2024 Test season as coaching resources.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific: Semifinal Teams
The semifinals are here, with the top four teams set to battle it out for the Super Rugby Pacific title.
South African Eyes on New Zealand and Australia ahead of Rugby Championship
New All Blacks and Wallabies coaches have ensured interest will be high in this year's Rugby Championship in South African eyes.
Hurricanes Set to ride home crowd energy in semifinal showdown
Advantages of playing at home in front of a big crowd of local supporters will be a boost for the Hurricanes when they try to maintain their winning touch over the Chiefs in their DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal at SKY Stadium on Saturday.
Focused Blues ready for Brumbies challenge at Eden Park
Taking the emotion out of the occasion and focusing on what has served them well through the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season will be the key for the Blues in Friday's semifinal against the Brumbies at Eden Park.
Tuipulotu's absence looms as Blues prepare for Brumbies battle
Losing talisman lock and captain Patrick Tuipulotu to a medial ligament tear is a blow to the Blues ahead of Friday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal against the Brumbies at Eden Park.
Hurricanes wary of rising Chiefs in crunch semifinal
Having their DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal opponents, the Chiefs, play one of their best games of the season has given the Hurricanes plenty to ponder ahead of their contest in Wellington on Saturday.
Dangerous Chiefs peaking at the right time
Lining out for their third time against the Hurricanes this season, having lost the first two games (23-36, 17-20), will provide the Chiefs with plenty of motivation for Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal in Wellington.