Sport

Savea stocks up on mouthguards after copping mouthful

11:14 am on 20 July 2021

All Black Ardie Savea has bought a stack of new mouthguards after once again being caught not wearing one.

Savea, who played his 50th test on Saturday night, took the field not wearing a mouthguard.

While wearing a mouthguard is not compulsory under World Rugby's rules, it is in the New Zealand Rugby players' collective agreement.

Savea was reprimanded last year for failing to wear one against Australia with New Zealand Rugby officials saying it was "incredibly disappointing."

Ardie Savea has found himself in trouble again for not wearing a mouthguard in the test against Fiji. Photo: Photosport

After his latest infraction Savea said on social media that he had lost his mouthguard but has ordered several new ones.

"Mum and wifey clipped me around the ears straight after the game for not wearing my mouthguard and fair enough," he said on Instagram.

"I lost my fitted mouthguard and couldn't find it on game day, and wasn't going to wear one that goes in hot water as it doesn't stay in and (sic) hard to breathe."

"That's why I've ordered 10 to have back-ups.. hopefully no more articles