Savea: It’s been a pleasure, NZ
Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea will start his new career with glamour French club Toulon at the end of the Super Rugby season in August.
Savea confirmed on Monday night what has been rumoured for several days - that he would be joining Top 14 side Toulon, which said in its own statement he had signed on for two seasons.
The 27-year-old had recently committed to play provincial rugby for Wellington this year, but a compromise was reached to allow him to go to France. He was contracted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2019 season.
Savea tweeted that it had been ‘‘an absolute pleasure’’ playing for New Zealand.
‘‘Thank you for everything @Hurricanesrugby @AllBlacks & @WgtnRugby. I’ve absolutely loved playing for my country for the past decade. Looking forward to this new adventure & joining @RCTofficiel in a few months.’’
Toulon said in its statement Savea would join them in early August on a two-year deal - and it hinted at a change of position on the rugby field for him.
‘‘A complete player who can also evolve at the centre position and further improve the line of three-quarters of the RCT (Rugby Club Toulonnais).
A much-loved fan favourite, Savea scored 46 tries in 54 test appearances for New Zealand, as well as amassing more than 120 games for the Hurricanes.
However, despite try scoring feats for the All Blacks, he struggled for form in recent seasons and his last game in the black jersey was in July last year. He was invited to this season’s All Blacks foundation days before missing selection in the 33-man squad to play France.
In a statement released by New Zealand Rugby, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: ‘‘Jules can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved in the black jersey. He is a devastating ball runner who inspired others with his physicality and tryscoring prowess. On behalf of all the All Blacks, we want to wish Julian and his family all the very best and thank him for everything he has done for the All Blacks.’’
NZR chief executive Steve Tew said Savea won fans all over the world with his speed and size.
Savea had won fans all over the world with his speed and size making him a powerful attacking weapon for any side he represented.
‘‘Julian goes with our blessing and we know that French rugby fans will quickly embrace him as their own. We thank Julian for his contribution to rugby in New Zealand and we wish him and his family well for their move to Toulon.’’
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said: ‘‘For me, Julian has been one of those guys who has been a one club, one province man who has always given everything he has for Ories, Wellington, the Hurricanes and New Zealand rugby.
‘‘He has always put his heart and soul into it and we respect that greatly.’’