Ardie could walk away from All Blacks

Ardie Savea’s All Blacks future is under serious threat unless sweeping changes are made to the national setup.

According to the New Zealand Herald, pressure is mounting on New Zealand Rugby following a scathing internal review of the All Blacks environment, with senior players understood to be deeply unhappy with the coaching, culture and overall direction of the team.

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The Herald revealed last December that frustrations had been simmering behind the scenes after the All Blacks’ failed Grand Slam tour. That discontent has now been laid bare in an internal review, placing NZR’s hierarchy under intense pressure to act.

Crucially, the Herald understands that the strongest criticism has come from senior players, with dissatisfaction building throughout head coach Scott Robertson’s two-year tenure. Robertson, along with senior assistant Scott Hansen, are among those to have received pointed feedback.

At the centre of the storm is Ardie Savea, one of the team’s most influential leaders. Savea captained the All Blacks several times last year in the absence of Scott Barrett and is believed to be “seriously unhappy” with the current environment.

Savea is reportedly actively exploring options to extend his stay with Japanese club Kobe beyond this year, or potentially move to Europe, with Irish powerhouse Leinster mentioned as a possible destination.

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Unless significant coaching changes are made, Savea may not return to the All Blacks.

While the 32-year-old remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby through to 2027, and NZR currently expects him back from Japan, the situation is far from settled. Savea is believed to have delivered strong, direct feedback to NZR chairman David Kirk following last year’s Grand Slam tour.

Importantly, Savea is not alone.

The Herald reports that dissatisfaction with the All Blacks setup extends beyond one player, with at least one senior Blues player understood to have declined an invitation to step up from the All Blacks XV for the final Test of the year in Cardiff.

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