PLAYER PROFILE
Ardie Savea
Loose Forward
KEY STATS
All Blacks Next match
All Blacks
France
BIOGRAPHY
THE DYNAMIC Ardie Savea has continued to go from strength to strength since making his debut for the All Blacks against Wales in 2016.
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, athleticism and his ability to stay alive in the tackle is second to none.
The younger brother of former All Blacks winger Julian, Ardie made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2013, then played for New Zealand Under 20 and later that year toured with the All Blacks on their Northern 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. In 2021, Savea was named as captain of the Hurricanes and led the All Blacks for the first time against Australia in Perth, becoming the All Blacks 70th Test captain. He also captained the All Blacks in the historic 100th against the Springboks in Townsville.
Savea capped off a brilliant 2023 season by being named as the World Rugby Player of the Year.
Away from rugby he enjoys fashion and launched his own clothing range in 2017.