Cultural reset: What the critics got wrong about Ardie’s decision
As the discourse continues surrounding Ardie Saveas decision to leave his beloved Hurricanes and play for Moana Pasifika, critics have somewhat vilified his decision, calling into question his future as a rugby player and All Black.
Since Moana Pasifika first entered the Super Rugby Pacific competition, remarks were made regarding their ability to attract high-end talent, yet they’ve arguably pulled off one of the best signings in recent memory.
Moana Pasifika had an improved season last year but still struggled against the competition heavyweights. With the 2024 season being their third year in the competition it’s been a tough carry for the franchise still trying to make their mark.
Their fourth season however, is going to look a little different, with the 2023 World Rugby player of the year boosting the stock of the franchise, joining his brother Julian in the Moana Pasifika squad.
With this decision comes the weight of expectations, and criticism. Already rugby pundits have questioned Ardie’s decision, fearing for his future with the All Blacks if Moana Pasifika stays on its current trajectory.
“I don’t follow titles, I follow courage,” said Ardie Savea.
With workload increasing, and potential losses mounting, the fear is that Ardie will be burnt out and his skill set will be diminished by the time the international season begins.
There’s a number of fallacies with this argument. A player of Savea’s calibre will, regardless of their rugby environment, be ready for when the international season kicks off.
This year is a perfect example, as Savea took a sabbatical and played in Japan, in what would be perceived as a weaker competition then Super Rugby Pacific, yet in his first test for the All Blacks on return, he was arguably best on ground.
In this situation, Savea is still playing in a very competitive competition, just for a team that is still trying to find those foundations to really become a force in Super Rugby.
Well, Ardie Savea is that foundation.
The immediate impact that Savea will have on the Moana Pasifika team, organisation, and fans cannot be understated. Bringing in one of, if not, the best players in the world will of course pay dividends on the field.
But the overall cultural impact of his decision can be monumental. By making this decision, Savea has bolstered belief into a system and a pathway that is often shunned and disregarded by players, media, and organisations.
By choosing his heritage, Savea will be a catalyst for changing the narrative around Pasifika rugby pathways. Young players already within the system like Kyren Taumoefolau and Sione Havili Talitui, will be able to learn directly from Savea, and then in time, pass that knowledge onto the players that come after them.
This mantle that Ardie now holds, will bode well for the generations to come and could be the spark that ignites more talented players to join Moana Pasifika. Overall, that in itself makes the decision one that should be celebrated, not maligned.
“I don’t follow titles, I follow courage,” said Ardie Savea.
