Four more years for Ardie

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has signed a four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) which will keep him in Aotearoa until the end of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old also recommitted to the Hurricanes for another two years, until 2023, and will likely head offshore the following year. As part of his new contract,

Savea will have the option of playing overseas for a period of six months during the 2024 season, NZR said in a statement. Savea, who captained the All Blacks for the first time in 2021, said he was grateful to extend his contract and have certainty for himself and his family for the next four years. ‘‘I’ve really enjoyed this season, both the good and the bad,’’ said Savea, who played his 59th test for the All Blacks in their loss to France.