Ardie Savea signs new ‘Canes deal

Flanker Ardie Savea has re-signed with the NZRU and Hurricanes for a further two years.
The 22-year-old made his All Blacks debut in the home series against Wales last month, earning a warm reception from the Wellington crowd when he replaced Sam Cane in the second Test.
Savea expressed how the progression of his career at the Hurricanes made it an easy decision to re-sign: “I'm loving my rugby right now at all levels of the game and I'm excited about the future with both the Hurricanes and, if I'm good enough to be selected again, the All Blacks.
“Wellington is my home and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to continue my career close to family and friends.”
Schooled locally at Rongotai College, Savea would go on to make his Super Rugby debut  for the ‘Canes in 2013, before becoming a prominent member of the ‘Canes back-row last season.
Becoming a fan favourite in the process as the ‘Canes look usurp the Chiefs at the top of the New Zealand conference.
“After breaking into the starting team last year, I want to push on and hopefully I can help the team reach higher honours,” Savea commented.
As the All Blacks begin life without stalwart Richie McCaw, the team's general manager Neil Sorensen praised the openside's all-round game and mental approach.
“Ardie is a fantastic footballer and a real fan favourite, not only for the way he plays the game, but also because he's an outstanding young man off the field who has already done so much for our game.
“He's a strong-minded individual who dances to his own beat, is highly respected by his peers and has huge potential and we're all excited to see how he grows over the next few years.”
Savea will start against the Crusaders in Saturday's crunch clash, where victory will be on his mind after opting to pursue the Super Rugby trophy rather than a Gold medal at the Rio Olympics.