All Blacks star to captain Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific

NEWS: Ardie Savea has once again been named as captain of the Hurricanes for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The experienced loose forward’s first game against the Crusaders in Round One will mark his 109th cap for the franchise since his debut in 2013.

Savea says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead once again.

"I am honoured to be able to lead and grow with the boys in 2022 and I’m excited to lead the team in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Season.

"Obviously, we are starting the new season in our team bubbles down here in Queenstown, but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"We can't wait to get back to Our House and play in front of our fans at Sky Stadium."

Savea’s rugby career spans his entire twenties. Debuting against the Waratahs in 2013, Savea has been part of the All Blacks since 2016 and was part of the Hurricanes outfit which won the Super Rugby title that same year.

He captained the All Blacks to victory in the Rugby Championship and topped 2021 off by adding All Blacks Player of the Year at the 2021 New Zealand Rugby Awards to his list of personal accolades.

Savea’s debut as captain, came in his 100th Hurricanes match against the Blues at the beginning of the 2021 season.

Head coach, Jason Holland, says Savea is a fantastic talent and he is thrilled to have him lead once again.

"We’re delighted to have Ardie as our captain for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Season.

"Ardie is going into his tenth season with the club and has become an integral part of our leadership group and the history of the Hurricanes as a club.

"Ardie has led the team in his own way from his debut in 2013, to now and players follow his example.

"He has really grown as a leader in our environment, and it is a testament to the work he has put into himself, both on and off the field," said Holland.