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Julian Savea leaves France and is open to return to Super Rugby or NRL.
The former All Blacks wing announced his departure from Toulon on Instagram, and also posted an accompanying video with brother Ardie in which he frankly spoke about his future.
Stuff-co-nz
Former All Black Julian Savea has announced his departure from the French club Toulon.
“I am open to anything,” Savea said. “Ideally, I’d like to go back to the ‘Canes.
“If that doesn’t happen, it could be another franchise, it could be Japan, it could be the NZ Warriors.”
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Savea is still locked up in France, and admitted that any move was not likely until next season.
“The [French] the season is over and I’ll be home soon, hopefully once it’s over, “Julian told Ardie.
“And I guess trying to go back to New Zealand rugby or find another contract, but that’s a five-month and six-month deadline in terms of what could happen because the Covid-19 is still ongoing.”
“We are waiting for everything to calm down and when the teams and organizations are ready to sign again.”
Martin Hunter / Getty-Images
Julian Savea scores against the Crusaders in 2018.
New Zealand Rugby has imposed a moratorium on Super Rugby transfers until play resumes, but the clubs are still able to speak to potential targets and Savea’s availability for the 2021 season is likely to appeal to suitors.
At his best, Savea was one of the best wings to play for the All Blacks, and said a midfield spell for Toulon had completed his skill set.
At 29, Savea could have exceeded his absolute peak, but experienced back-three operators are missing from Super Rugby.
Hurricane teammate Nehe Milner-Skudder announced Wednesday that he would join the Highlanders for the 2020-2021 seasons.
Savea said he hoped to return to New Zealand shortly and that he would spend the rest of the year training to “be ready” for any opportunity that arises.
“It has been a bit difficult, but with Covid-19 the clubs don’t sign anybody and they really don’t have that money to offer people, so that made my decision easy,” he said.
Hannah Peters / Getty-Images
Julian Savea’s last appearance for the All Blacks came in the third round against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park in 2017.
“It is better for me to be in New Zealand, close to family, and I can train back with the children and prepare my body and mind for whatever comes next, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere abroad “
“First of all, I just want to get home.”
Savea’s wife, Fatima, also answered questions about the move back to New Zealand on her Instagram account, revealing that the family would initially settle in Auckland.
Savea also posted a message of thanks to Toulon for his spell in France, where he was at the end of some harsh media criticism.
“Thank you to those who have supported me for the past two seasons here at RCT,” Savea wrote.
“I will always be grateful for this experience and my time in Toulon.
“A very bittersweet moment that didn’t end the season as I wanted, but also very excited for the next trip ahead of me.”
“I want to thank all my siblings that I have played with in the past two seasons, you are very special to me and I have made some lifelong friendships that I will always cherish.
“I want to thank the coaching staff and management for always being good to us.
“It has been a long and not a pretty journey, but the highs definitely outweigh the lows.”
