All Blacks back-row forward Ardie Savea said Tuesday that he will return to Japan's Kobe Steelers in 2026, exercising a sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby contract.
The 31-year-old, World Rugby's player of the year in 2023, helped propel Moana Pasifika to within a whisker of the Super Rugby playoffs this year.
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"I have so much love for what we started with Moana this year, so I'm looking forward to coming back in 2027," Savea said.
"It's hard to leave, even though it's only for one season, but I'll be supporting the team from afar and will stay involved behind the scenes.
"This year at Moana Pasifika was the happiest I've been in my career."
Savea played for Kobe in 2024, and will be eligible for the All Blacks Tests against France this year and July Tests in 2026 which are after the end of the Japan season.
Savea is contracted to New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2027.
"Japan is a special place and I love the culture and the people. It's exciting to return to a club that has given me an opportunity to have beautiful experiences on and off the field," said Savea.
Savea made a big splash playing for the Pasifika side, last month being voted Super Rugby player of the year.
“Ardie obviously goes with our blessing,” said Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.
“These sabbaticals are part of the modern game and we have been preparing for this for some time.
“We will continue to build the momentum of our movement in 2026 and work hard to grow our game so that we will be even better when he gets back to us in 2027.”
The team released 15 members of their squad at the end of their Super Rugby season. Last week they announced the signing of former All Black centre Ngani Laumape for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
“Sabbaticals are a key component of our contracting model and provide flexibility for our most senior All Blacks to spend some time in a different environment," added NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum.
"In Ardie’s case he has played 94 Tests for the All Blacks and more than a decade as a professional player in New Zealand.
"He is committed to play his rugby in New Zealand through to the end of 2027 and we look forward to his ongoing contribution to our teams and competitions.”
