The Hurricanes are showing some interest in the return of crowd favourite Julian Savea, who says he'd love to play for his home team again.
Julian Savea Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former All Blacks wing has spent the last two years playing for Toulon in France, but failed to make a significant impact in the Top 14 competition.
He's now out of contract and with rugby off the scene because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were few options.
Savea and his wife made the announcement of their return on social media.
In a podcast with his brother Ardie, Julian said he'd be looking for an opportunity back here.
However because of the pandemic, their return may not be for a while.
"Soon hopefully once everything dies down and I guess trying to get back into New Zealand Rugby maybe, but that's like five or six months because the covid-19 is still going."
"With no rugby on at the moment it was an easy decision to return home and be close to the family and train with the boys and just get my body and mind all ready to go for whatever is next."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) on
Savea says he's opened to all options.
"At the end of the day I'll be grateful for anything, ideally I'd love to be back with the Canes brothers, if that doesn't happen then I'll see my other options and it could be another franchise, it could be Japan, it could be maybe the Warriors, I don't know."
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee says his organisation is following with interest.
"We are aware Julian Savea is making a return to New Zealand. Hurricanes management will keep an open mind about future possibilities."
Savea played 116 games for the Hurricanes between 2011 and 2018 and scored 45 tries.
The 29 year old played 54 times for the All Blacks between 2012 and 2017 and scored 46 international tries.