Savea to Swap Moana Pasifika for Japanese Club Kobe in 2026

Rugby: New Zealand star Savea to rejoin Japan's Kobe Steelers

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- New Zealand loose forward Ardie Savea will rejoin the Kobe Steelers for the 2025-2026 Japan Rugby League One season, the club announc

All Black Ardie Savea to play for Kobe Steelers in 2026

All Blacks back-row forward Ardie Savea said Tuesday that he will return to Japan's Kobe Steelers in 2026, exercising a sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby contract.…

All Black Savea to skip Super Rugby in favour of Japan sabbatical in 2026

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea will skip Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika next year and take a sabbatical in Japan at the Kobe Steelers club, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said on Tuesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Savea to take Japan sabbatical

Moana Pasifika and All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea on the run against the Highlanders in Dunedin this year. Photo: Getty Images Moana Pasifika are set to lose their inspirational leader for next season.

Savea to swap Moana Pasifika for Japanese club Kobe in 2026

Ardie Savea will depart Moana Pasifika for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season to return to Japan’s Rugby League One with the Kobe Steelers. The 31-year-old...

Savea set to miss Super Rugby in 2026 for another Japan sabbatical

Moana Pasifika captain and Super Rugby Pacific player of the year will be absent next season before returning in 2027.