Ardie Savea has revealed he won’t be playing for Moana Pasifika in next year’s Super Rugby Pacific, despite winning the competition’s player of the year award in 2025.

The 31-year-old All Blacks star has decided to take up a second sabbatical with Kobe in Japan’s Rugby League One next year. He says he will return to Moana Pasifika in 2027.

Savea, who played for Kobe in 2024, is signed with NZR through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“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.

“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.”

Savea led Moana to their best season so far with six wins from 14 games. They missed out on the finals despite having the same win-loss record as the Blues, who qulified in sixth.

“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.”

Moana Pasifika will be much changed in 2026. They released 15 players at the end of this season, and have recruited former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape.