Ardie Savea has been named captain for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Savea made the shock move to the Super Rugby minnows from the Hurricanes last July, after spending a stint playing in Japan. The loose forward has played 94 Tests for the All Blacks and first captained the test side in 2021.
The 31-year-old says he's honoured to lead Moana Pasifika.
"It's pretty special and I believe it's God's purpose for me to lead," said Savea.
Ardie Savea running as a water boy for Moana Pasifika on Friday. He is expected to be named club captain when the team announces their leadership team at their North Harbour Stadium home on Monday. Photo: Moana Pasifika
"When I signed with the team Tana (Umaga, head coach) spoke to me about it and I went away and thought about it. After spending some time talking to my wife and those close to me, I realised it was the right decision to say yes.
"First and foremost I've got to lead myself first and that's through my performance on the field and how I operate at trainings, and off the field as well. I also want to serve the brothers, serve the team, serve the franchise and serve the people anyway I can."
The team spent the last weekend at camp, bonding and building team chemistry before the Super Rugby season kicks off.
It's given Savea the chance to connect with his new teammates.
"Some of the boys I'd never met before so this weekend in camp has been awesome to spend some time with the brothers," he added.
"Being able to lean on the great leaders that are already here has been awesome."
Ardie Savea. Photo: Lynne Cameron/SmartFrame
Umaga said that: "Ardie is a hard worker and incredible role model who pushes others to be better by setting a high standard for himself, both professionally and personally.
"That's something that stands out for us as a good leader, bringing out the best in the team and uplifting others. He's a natural leader who is going to have a massive impact on our team."
