Ardie Savea has been named as captain of the Hurricanes for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season.
The 27-year-old, who made his Hurricanes debut in 2013 and will make his 100th appearance for the franchise in the opening round of the season against the Blues, succeeds his All Blacks teammates Dane Coles and TJ Perenara, who served as co-captains in 2020.
Savea says captaining a rugby franchise in New Zealand is a ‘big deal’ and he is honoured to have the opportunity to do so.
‘This is getting out of my comfort zone, but I feel like this is a time to step up and I’ve got a lot of great leaders beside me, as well as Colesy, who I’ve been observing,’ Savea said. ‘He’s a man of action, which is what I’m big on too.’
‘I’m also big on connection and family, which are part of our values. We’ve got great leaders who can lead on and off the field, so for me, it’s about bringing each individual’s strengths out.’
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland was full of praise for Savea and says he hopes the player leads through his actions.
‘Ardie has been an integral part of our club for a long time and has the complete respect of everyone,’ said Holland.
‘He has played a major part in leading this team in his own way for the last few years and the boys will be desperate to follow him in the way they have followed Colesy and TJ in recent years.’
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Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
