Ardie Savea has been officially named the captain of Moana Pasifika for the upcoming 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, marking a significant moment in his career. Savea, who made the surprising decision to leave the Hurricanes and join the underdog team last July after a stint in Japan, brings a wealth of experience with 94 Tests for the All Blacks and previous captaincy of the national team.
The 31-year-old expressed his deep honor and sense of purpose regarding his new leadership role, stating, “It’s pretty special and I believe it’s God’s purpose for me to lead.” Savea highlighted the need for personal accountability and performative leadership, emphasizing, “I’ve got to lead myself first,” while also committing to serving his teammates and the franchise.
Recently, the team held a bonding camp to foster chemistry among players. Savea mentioned that this experience was invaluable, allowing him to connect with teammates he had never met before and to learn from the existing leaders within the squad. Moana Pasifika’s head coach, Tana Umaga, praised Savea’s work ethic and ability to inspire others, stating he is a “natural leader” poised to make a significant impact on the team.
The enthusiasm surrounding Savea’s captaincy offers hope for Moana Pasifika, who have struggled in their initial seasons, recording only seven wins out of 42 matches. Both Savea’s leadership and Umaga’s coaching aim to instill a greater sense of resilience and determination in the squad as they prepare for the competitive Super Rugby season.
Fans can look forward to watching how Savea’s leadership will transform the team’s performance on the field. With a focus on unity and hard work, there is palpable optimism that the 2025 season could pave the way for positive change and growth for Moana Pasifika.
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