Rugby: All Blacks winger Julian Savea ends time with Toulon open for New Zealand return

Rugby World Cup winner Julian Savea is open to returning to rugby in New Zealand after parting ways with the French team Toulon.

Savea joined Toulon of the Hurricanes in 2018, but failed to make the desired impact on the French club.

Savea announced his “bittersweet” game on Instagram.

In a video chat with his All Blacks brother Ardie, Julian Savea said he was open for a return to New Zealand.

“Obviously, the season is over and I hope to get back home soon, once it’s all over. I guess trying to go back to New Zealand rugby maybe or find another contract is a five month time frame, six months in terms of what what can happen. .

“Because Covid-19 is still running and we are waiting for everything to calm down. When the teams and I guess organizations are ready to sign again, start conversations like that.”

He said he has enjoyed his experience in Toulon,

“My experience here in France has been incredible. The media have not really been on my side, but apart from that, it has been a pleasure for me to be here.”

Savea said he plans to return home and look at his options from there, but is open to playing in New Zealand again.

“It has been a little difficult,” he said. “But with this Covid-19 up and running … the clubs are not signing anyone and they really don’t have that money to offer people. So it was an easy decision.”

“As I said that five and six month timeline, just for me, [it would] Being better in New Zealand, with friends and family, I have the opportunity to train with the boys. And I guess I have my body and mind ready for whatever comes next, whether it’s in New Zealand or somewhere else abroad again.

“Until that time comes, first of all I just want to get home and see the family.”

Savea added to those thoughts in her Instagram post.

“Thank you to those who have supported me for the past two seasons here at RCT. I will always be grateful for this experience and my time in Toulon,” he said.

“A very bittersweet moment did not end the season as I wanted, but I am also very excited for the next trip that I have ahead. I want to thank all my brothers with whom I have played in the last two seasons, you are very special to me and I have made some lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.

“I want to thank @rctofficiel, the coaching staff and management for always being good to us. It has been a long and not a nice trip, but the maximums definitely exceed the minimums,” he added.

After a slow start to his career in Toulon, the 54-test All Black received sharp criticism from club president Mourad Boudjellal last February, and outspoken Boudjellal went on to say that Savea would never play for Toulon again.

“I am going to ask for a DNA test. They must have changed it on the plane. If it was him, I would apologize and go back to my home country,” Boudjellal told a French radio station.

“I told him that he was free to leave and that he was no longer welcome in Toulon.”