Julia Savea scores for the Hurricanes. Photo: Photosport
Former All Blacks wing Julian Savea will play Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika after being unwanted by the Hurricanes.
The 2015 World Cup winner and 54 test player, affectionately known as 'the bus' to rugby fans around the world, has Samoan heritage.
He scored 46 tries for the All Blacks, with his last test cap coming in 2017 against the British and Irish Lions.
He is eligible to switch his international allegiance to the Manu Samoa under the new World Rugby ruling.
Savea will play under new Moana Pasifika coach, former All Blacks captain and Hurricanes star Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Born and raised in Wellington, the 33-year-old Savea debuted for the Hurricanes in 2011 and has scored a Super Rugby record-breaking 60 tries in 153 games.
Hailing from the villages of Siumu, Luatuanu'u, and Falesiu Uta in Samoa, Savea has garnered a large following in the Pacific since his storied professional rugby career began.
His parents Lina and Masina Savea, both Samoan-born, migrated to New Zealand in their youth, and have raised their sons Julian & Ardie to be proud of their Samoan heritage.
-RNZ