For the third consecutive year, Ardie Savea has been named captain of the Hurricanes ahead of the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.  

Set to make his 120th appearance for the Hurricanes against the Reds in round one – the powerful loose forward marks his 11th consecutive season playing for his home club. 

Savea says he is honoured to have the opportunity to lead once again and is excited for the season ahead.  

“It’s an honour to be able to lead and grow with my Hurricanes brothers for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.   

"I’m really looking forward to the season, especially getting out to the communities, when we play Levin against the Crusaders for our preseason [match], and also Palmerston North against the Western Force. 

“We’ve just moved into our new facility, and there’s something awesome about change; it’s brought in a lot of energy. It’s refreshing to come in and be in a new space, alongside other professional teams. Hopefully being here can help us move forward and help us prepare well for our games,” said Savea. 

Savea’s rugby career spans his entire twenties. Making his Hurricanes debut against the Waratahs in 2013, Savea was part of the Hurricanes side to win the Super Rugby title in 2016.  

Linking up with the All Blacks that same year, he went on to captain the All Blacks to victory in the 2021 Rugby Championship. 

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

“Ardie is a special leader. He’s the sort of guy you just want to follow in whatever he does, and he’s worked hard at his leadership around all the small details, around how to get the best out of the people around him.  

“He's been really good at driving us as a group, players and management, about being well planned and really clear in our roles in what we’re leading.  

“Ards has a great relationship with all the boys, he cares pretty deeply about the boys and the team, and that really shows in the way that he leads,” said Holland.