Former All Black wing, Julian Savea, has signed with the Hurricanes for the 2021 Super Rugby season.
Julian Savea will be with the Hurricanes in 2021. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 30-year-old returned from France earlier in the year and was called in as a replacement player during the closing weeks of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Since then, Savea has been back with the Wellington Lions, playing Mitre 10 Cup rugby and Hurricanes head coach, Jason Holland, says it's "outstanding" to have his experience back in the capital.
"Physically, Julian is in great shape and we know what a threat he can be. He is in a great place mentally and will add volumes to our environment on and off the field.
Savea is among the most capped and highest scoring Hurricanes in franchise history - tallying 121 appearances and 52 tries.
But he is treating this signing as a separate, entirely new challenge.
"Being one of the most capped and coming back is awesome, but it just gives me the experience to understand that I've got to earn my spot - wherever that is. Adding to the statistics isn't my priority, more so it's playing the best rugby I can and putting myself in a great position where I can help the team and bring out the best of myself."
Whilst it may have been two years since his last appearance for the side, there are plenty of familiar faces amidst the ranks including co-captain, Dane Coles and brother Ardie.
"I'm excited and grateful to be given another opportunity to put on the yellow again and play with my brothers," Savea says.
"My ambition for 2021 is to make sure I prepare myself to the fullest by conditioning the body and mind, so I can not only make my family proud, but my mates also. If I do that, the rest will take care of itself."