Ardie Savea has been linked with a move to rugby league after it was revealed that he could make a shock switch to the 13-a-side code with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs.
Ardie Savea set for code switch?
The All Blacks skipper’s name has been mentioned with a possible move to the NRL expansion outfit.
The PNG Chiefs are a rugby league club which was established in 2024, and they are scheduled to compete in the NRL in Australia from the 2028 season.
Savea, who is currently in South Africa with the All Blacks on their Greatest Rivalry tour, has returned to New Zealand after completing his latest sabbatical stint in Japan with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
The 32-year-old previously represented the Hurricanes at Super Rugby level from 2013 to 2023 before joining the Kobelco Kobe Steelers for his first sabbatical in 2024.
He then made a sensational switch to Moana Pasifika in 2025 before returning to the Steelers this year and helped them win the Japan Rugby League One title.
After Moana Pasifika disbanded earlier this year, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year has also been linked with a move to the Blues for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
According to a RugbyPass report, the PNG Chiefs, who offer tax-free salaries, could be interested in acquiring Savea’s services for their debut season in the NRL in 2028.
Leicester Tigers bolster front-row stocks
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers have confirmed that they have signed Tongan international hooker Sam Moli ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 27-year-old joins the PREM Rugby heavyweights from defunct Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika, where he made 47 appearances since that club was established in 2022.
The experienced front-row has earned himself a reputation as a powerful and dynamic hooker and represented Tonga on 27 occasions since making his international debut against the All Blacks in 2021.
Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling is delighted that Moli has joined his club’s ranks.
“Sam comes and adds some quality and depth to our hooking options. He’s a big body and strong scrummager and someone we believe will suit the game in the Prem,” he said.
“He knows he’s got to make sure he’s ready to make the most of this opportunity and we look forward to him arriving.”
Moli is determined to make a positive impact in his new surroundings.
“I’m excited to step into this new chapter with the Tigers,” he revealed. “The opportunity to rub shoulders with some of England’s finest and to develop in the game is one I can’t wait for.
“I’m humbled to be a part of such a proud club and I’m eager to put my best foot forward. I look to bring physicality, a team-first mentality and confidence, with the willingness to better myself in all aspects on-and-off the field.”
Springboks hopeful extend Sharks stay
In other news, United Rugby Championship (URC) club the Sharks have confirmed that exciting centre Jurenzo Julius has signed a three-year contract extension with them.
The 22-year-old Springboks hopeful made his debut for the Sharks in a URC match against Connacht in 2024.
“The Boogie Man dances on in black-and white,” read a statement on the Sharks’ official X, formerly known as Twitter, account. “The Sharks are pleased to announce that Jurenzo Julius has extended his stay in Durban until 2029.
“Three more years of silky moves through the midfield.”
According to a RugbyPass report, Stormers utility back and former South Africa ‘A’ representative Suleiman Hartzenberg has also joined the Sharks on a season-long loan.
Hartzenberg, who is comfortable on the wing or at centre, fractured his hand at the back-end of last season and also had minor knee surgery earlier this year but was in action for the Stormers XXIII in the Currie Cup earlier this year.
The 23-year-old, who represented the South Africa ‘A’ team in 2022, is reportedly staying with the Sharks until the end of June 2027.