Ardie Savea to take sabbatical in 2026, return to Japanese club
Ardie Savea is set to take a sabbatical in 2026 to once again play with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed.
The loose forward will remain available to the All Blacks for their 2025 international campaign, and is contracted to NZR through the end of 2027.
In 2026, Savea will return to New Zealand at the conclusion of the Japan League One season. He will then be available for the All Blacks 2026 July test series.
Savea previously has played for the Japanese club in the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika confirmed Savea will also return to their team in 2027 after his upcoming one-year stint in Japan.
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"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.'
Savea said: 'I have so much love for what we started with Moana this year so I'm looking forward to coming back in 2027.'
'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.
'On the other hand, 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.'
NZR general manager of professional rugby & performance Chris Lendrum said 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".
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"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."
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