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a day ago
- Sport
- 1News
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. ADVERTISEMENT "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". ADVERTISEMENT "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."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kyohei Yamasawa sets a benchmark as the top regular season scorer in Japan Rugby League One
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Flyhalf Kyohei Yamasawa has become the first home grown player to top the regular season scoring list in Japan Rugby League One in his first full season for the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. The 26-year-old emerged from the shadow of his test-capped elder brother, Takuya, by scoring 209 points in 16 appearances in the Japanese professional tournament which attracts some of the world's best players. Advertisement He finished the regular season ahead of Toyota Brave Lupus fullback Takuro Matsunada with 174 points and Bryn Gatland, the New Zealand-born son of former Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland, who scored 169 points for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers. Former Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley was sixth on the list this season with 145 points. Japan League One is in its fourth season and Yamasawa is the fourth different player to lead the regular season scoring list, following Gatland, Foley and All Blacks flyhalf Damian McKenzie. Yamasawa became the Wild Knights' only goalkicking option when his brother, Takuya, was sidelined by injury after only two matches. Brave Lupus winger Jone Naikabula was the leading try-scorer in the regular season with 15. ___ AP rugby:
The Herald Scotland
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Goode gives verdict on Smith-Prendergast showdown
The Dublin-based outfit booked their spot in the last four after two convincing shut-out wins over Harlequins and Glasgow Warriors in the two preceding knockout rounds, while Saints' semi-final berth came via a duo of victories over French sides Castres and Clermont. While the encounter, exclusively live on Premier Sports in the UK, is set to be one of the biggest games in the careers of two of rugby's brightest talents, Goode does not see it as a shootout for a Lions place. 'I think a lot of people will build it up as them facing off for selection,' he said. 'But I think they should both go on the Lions tour alongside Finn Russell. 'Russell, for me, is the standout, and then there are probably two other spots to be filled. 'And with Prendergast and Smith in the form they are both in for both club and country, they are both in the box seat. 'I see their battle as a massively important factor in this game, but ultimately, I am backing both of them to be on that plane to Australia in the summer.' URC leaders Leinster will be going into the game at the Aviva Stadium as favourites in their bid for a fourth consecutive Champions Cup final. And despite close defeats in each of European rugby's last three showpiece events, the former England international does not think they will be scarred by those losses. 'I am backing Leinster to beat Saints, they are the toughest team to win against, as we have seen for the last however many years,' he continued. 'From the outside looking in, Leinster are a complete team, certainly after the additions of Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman. 'There is a different feel about this Leinster team this year compared to when they fell at the final hurdle in each of the last three seasons.' Goode will be at the Aviva Stadium as part of the Premier Sports punditry team on Saturday evening, with the broadcaster recently announcing a 24/7 rugby channel as part of its portfolio alongside every URC game, the pick of Top 14 fixtures every weekend and newly added Japan League One and MLR rugby rights. This week is all about international club rugby action as we hit the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR, with all four box office fixtures live on Premier Sports. Saints travel to Dublin on the back of back-to-back domestic wins over Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons and will have eyes on avenging the defeat they suffered 12 months ago across the Irish Sea. And Goode explained that if Phil Dowson's team are to book their place in the final, it will require the East Midlanders to take the game to Leinster and over-power them in attack. 'If they can get some quick ball, Saints have certainly got an attacking game to throw shapes and threats at Leinster's blitz defence,' he added. 'Phil Dowson and Sam Vesty are intelligent coaches, and I am sure they will have found some chinks in Leinster's blitz defence. With Fin Smith's short kicking game, which is absolutely wonderful, Saints have certainly got a chance. 'What Saints will not want to do is end the game with the question, 'why did we not have a proper go?' 'They need to leave it all out on the field at the weekend.'
