In a shock announcement today, Wellington Hurricanes and All Blacks Loose Forward, Ardie Savea has announced his move to American Football. He is hoping to secure a contract in the NSFL as a prospect in the upcoming draft and as the second former Rugby player in the league. After having the way paved by the success in the NSFL of Luke Tiernan, Savea was quick to set aside comparisons to Jarryd Hayne’s (failed) move from Rugby League to the NFL, reminding press that he was coming from Rugby Union and taking more time to adjust to the different game by taking part in prospect games and rookie camps before entering the draft. “You never know with those Aussies” he added.
Currently defining himself as a Running Back, Savea has mentioned he is open to playing any position coaches may deem best for the team and for his skill set. During his rugby days, Savea was known for his powerful running style and this coupled with good ball skills due to the more open game that rugby is may lead to his emergence as an All Purpose Running Back. Modelling his game off of LeVeon Bell would help with this and when asked about the elite NFL RB, Savea was quick to note that Bell played in Yellow and Black just as his previous team The Hurricanes had. Jarryd Hayne was again brought up when asked if he was comfortable returning kicks or playing in special teams. Savea reiterated that he was happy to fill any role the coach wished and would do his best to excel in that role. Special teams may prove an excellent fit for the intriguing prospect because as previously mentioned, rugby being a more free flowing and open play sport, his skills lend to both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
When asked if brother Julian would be joining him in switching codes, Ardie said it would be up to him to decide that, but thought he might be sticking with the All Blacks. After earning the nickname “The Bus” for his running style, Julian would be one to watch if he ever did make himself available.
Ardie showed a great knowledge of American Football and said that it had a bigger following in New Zealand than some people may think. He mentioned trying to promote Rugby to his league mates, should he make it, and also didn’t rule out a return to the sport in future but was quick to assure that it didn’t mean he wasn’t committed and was 100% focused on trying to compete at the highest level possible in American Football.
The floor is now open for any members of the NSFL press to ask questions:
“Fire away” said Ardie with a grin.
Currently defining himself as a Running Back, Savea has mentioned he is open to playing any position coaches may deem best for the team and for his skill set. During his rugby days, Savea was known for his powerful running style and this coupled with good ball skills due to the more open game that rugby is may lead to his emergence as an All Purpose Running Back. Modelling his game off of LeVeon Bell would help with this and when asked about the elite NFL RB, Savea was quick to note that Bell played in Yellow and Black just as his previous team The Hurricanes had. Jarryd Hayne was again brought up when asked if he was comfortable returning kicks or playing in special teams. Savea reiterated that he was happy to fill any role the coach wished and would do his best to excel in that role. Special teams may prove an excellent fit for the intriguing prospect because as previously mentioned, rugby being a more free flowing and open play sport, his skills lend to both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
When asked if brother Julian would be joining him in switching codes, Ardie said it would be up to him to decide that, but thought he might be sticking with the All Blacks. After earning the nickname “The Bus” for his running style, Julian would be one to watch if he ever did make himself available.
Ardie showed a great knowledge of American Football and said that it had a bigger following in New Zealand than some people may think. He mentioned trying to promote Rugby to his league mates, should he make it, and also didn’t rule out a return to the sport in future but was quick to assure that it didn’t mean he wasn’t committed and was 100% focused on trying to compete at the highest level possible in American Football.
The floor is now open for any members of the NSFL press to ask questions:
“Fire away” said Ardie with a grin.
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Donatello McTurtle || CB/OL #72 || Tijuana || New York || S33-S44
Ben Alexander-Arnold || CB/FB #66 || TIJ || AUS/NO || S24-S33
Ben Tu'inukuafe || OL/DE #61 || Tijuana || New Orleans || S15-S24
Tana Keïta || LB #53 || Tijuana Luchadores || NO/OCO || S10-S15
Ardie Savea || RB/TE #26 || New Orleans Second Line || S1 - S10
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