Ardie Savea, Racing 92 And Rugby's Biggest Rumor
Ardie Savea, Racing 92 And Rugby's Biggest Rumor
Ardie Savea, the world’s top rugby player, is rumored to join Racing 92 after 2027 on a record contract.
Few rumors have jolted French rugby quite like whispers that Ardie Savea, the No. 1 player in the world on FloRugby’s 2025 list, could join Racing 92 after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Savea, a former World Rugby Player of the Year, is under contract with New Zealand Rugby through the tournament in Australia.
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He shocked the sport last year when he suited up for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, a move hailed as one of the most unexpected transfers in recent history.
Now, the Parisian club most synonymous with marquee signings is believed to be preparing a record-breaking bid for the All Blacks captain.
A Career Of Headline Moves For Ardie Savea
Savea has already built one of the most decorated résumés in the sport. He is the heartbeat of a New Zealand side that reclaimed the No. 1 world ranking in 2025 and remains a fixture in both Super Rugby and the international game. Known for his explosive ball-carrying and tireless defense, Savea has long been a target for Top 14 clubs.
His brief sabbatical in Japan in 2026 is already confirmed with Kobe Steelers, but it is the possibility of a longer European stint that has fueled speculation. For Racing 92, a deal would continue a tradition of bringing global icons to the French capital.
Racing 92’s Spending Power
From Dan Carter to Johnny Sexton, Finn Russell, Siya Kolisi and Owen Farrell, Racing 92 has consistently opened its checkbook to land world-class players. Reports suggest Savea’s contract could eclipse Carter’s once-record €1.5 million salary (about $1.65 million) and Farrell’s £1.2 million deal (about $1.52 million), potentially making him the highest-paid rugby player in history.
Racing 92’s Record And Future
Racing 92 finished the 2024-25 Top 14 season outside the semifinals and missed the Investec Champions Cup knockout stages. Their last major final appearance was in the 2020 Champions Cup, and the club has not lifted a trophy since winning the 2016 Top 14. Yet they remain one of France’s most ambitious sides and are again qualified for the 2025-26 Champions Cup.
For a player like Savea, the lure of Paris could provide both a fresh challenge and one last massive contract before retirement. For Racing, it would be another headline signing to keep them in the spotlight.
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