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All Blacks star Ardie Savea reveals why he is considering a move to rugby league

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

By NZ Herald

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has revealed the driving force that could see him switch to rugby league.

The 44-test Hurricanes star made a shock announcement during an interview with former Warrior Isaac John on the Ice Project podcast that he wanted to play in the NRL.

Savea doubled down on the comments in a second interview with Staf Chat podcast with the TAB’s Mark Stafford.

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The All Black said the chance to represent Samoa was a big reason why he was looking at a change in code.

“This might blow-up. I thought of rugby league. I thought of giving that a crack or trying to give it a crack. But a massive one for me that I would love to do is play for Samoa,” he said on the podcast.

“A big part of why I wanted to go to league was because I could play for Samoa because of the rules. So that’s been a thing that’s pondered my mind.

“[I’ve] been following hard out on the World Rugby rules and that stuff. For me it’s how proud the Samoan people are and I know how much Samoans give to rugby internationally…my old man’s face if he knew that I was going to play [for Samoa].”

https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1231777280654864385

Savea, who was one of the standout All Blacks during last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, is still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in the semifinal defeat to England.

Asked by John if he was considering a move to the NRL, Savea said he was “low-key thinking about it for next year”.

“100 per cent I want to play rugby league, I think they do a lot more in terms of off the field stuff… and also, just a new challenge. I want to test myself,” Savea said.

“Learning a whole new game and seeing if I can dominate or play the way I play in union, if I can do that in league, excites me. Seeing guys like Sonny [Bill Williams, former All Blacks teammate] do it and how that’s benefited him that kind of pondered my mind.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4k44pTghDo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Williams has just completed a return to league with the Toronto Wolfpack, after 10 years playing union, in a deal reportedly worth $10 million.

Savea wouldn’t be joining the Warriors, though.

“Strategically I would go to a team that’s good…that’s dominating, like the [Melbourne] Storm or the [Sydney] Roosters,” Savea said.

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.

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R
RedWarrior 31 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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