Why I’d switch codes: Savea’s motivation
All Blacks star Ardie Savea says a burning desire to represent Samoa was the main reason why he is considering a surprise switch to rugby league.
Earlier this week, Savea told former Warriors halfback Isaac John in an interview on the Ice Project podcast that he wanted to play in the NRL.
The 26-year-old loose forward reiterated those comments on the Staf Chat podcast with the TAB’s Mark Stafford, adding that the opportunity to honour his Samoan heritage was a huge incentive to make the move.
‘‘This might blow up. I thought of rugby league. But a massive one for me that I would love to do is play for Samoa,’’ he told Stafford.
‘‘A big part of why I wanted to go to league was because I could play for Samoa because of the rules.
‘‘[I’ve] been following hard out on the World Rugby rules and that stuff. For me it’s how proud the Samoan people are and I know how much
Samoans give to rugby internationally – my old man’s face if he knew that I was going to play [for Samoa] . . .’’
Savea was born in Wellington to Samoan parents and has previously spoken out against World Rugby’s strict eligibility rules, which prevent players from representing multiple countries.
In league, players can switch between the tier-one and two nations they are eligible for, such as when Jason Taumalolo left the Kiwis on the eve of the 2017 World Cup to play for Tonga.
Last year, Savea questioned whether international coaches should be held to the same eligibility laws as players.
‘‘Random thought – rugby union players aren’t allowed to switch allegiance once playing for their country,’’ he said on Twitter. ‘‘Should the same rule apply to coaches?’’
On Monday, Savea told John said he was ‘‘low-key’’ considering a switch to the NRL next year.
Savea, who is contracted to NZ Rugby until the end of the 2021 season, is recovering from a serious knee injury suffered at last year’s World Cup.
MADE FOR LEAGUE
‘‘A big part of why I wanted to go to league was because I could play for Samoa.’’
Ardie Savea