Ardie Savea savours League One experience

Kobe Steelers’ outgoing All Blacks star Ardie Savea has hailed his season in Japan as one of the highlights of his career. 

The World Player of The Year starred for Dave Rennie’s side scoring eight tries in 15 appearances and was ranked fifth for carries, fourth for offloads, fifth for breaks and sixth for the most tackles made. 

Kobe finished fifth with nine wins, one draw and six defeats and narrowly missed out on the play-offs as they were pipped to fourth-place by Jesse Kriel’s Yokohama Canon Eagles.

The former Hurricanes captain, 30, who is a contender to take over the vacant All Blacks captaincy this summer, said: “The last six months has been one of the highlights of my career so far.

“Been amazing experiencing Japan rugby and culture with my family. Loved every moment.

“Massive thank you to my Kobe Steelers brothers for the memories and kava sessions especially jamming with my doko again Ngani Laumape,” added Savea who became the eighth World Player of The Year to play in Japan. 

Savea will return to Super Rugby duty with the Hurricanes next season but will be tipped for a return to Japan down the line. 

“Let’s run it back soon,” he added. 

Photo courtesy of Kobe Steelers