Moana Pasifika are downplaying their dependence on outgoing skipper Ardie Savea. 

He will miss Super Rugby next year to take up a sabbatical in Japan, before making a 2027 return. 

Savea is signed with NZR through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia and will end up spending half of that cycle playing in Japan. 

Franchise boss Debbie Sorensen told Mike Hosking that Savea’s contribution might look inordinate, but there’s a lot of things that go together to make the team work really well. 

She says that he’s worked quite hard to ensure he’s not the single outlier, working hard to bring the squad together and mentor other players. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Moana Pasifika are downplaying their dependence on outgoing skipper Ardie Savea.&nbsp;
He will miss Super Rugby next year to take up a sabbatical in Japan, before making a 2027 return.&nbsp;
Savea is signed with NZR through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia and will end up spending half of that cycle playing in Japan.&nbsp;
Franchise boss Debbie Sorensen told Mike Hosking that Savea’s contribution might look inordinate, but there’s a lot of things that go together to make the team work really well.&nbsp;
She says that he’s worked quite hard to ensure he’s not the single outlier, working hard to bring the squad together and mentor other players.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Debbie Sorensen: Moana Pasifika CEO on Ardie Savea taking a sabbatical during the 2026 Super Rugby season

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c485d6b1-71de-4c09-9224-b2ff016deafe/transcript