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Ardie could walk away from All Blacks

Ardie Savea’s All Blacks future is under serious threat unless sweeping changes are made to the national setup. According to The New Zealand Herald, pressure is mounting on NZ Rugby following a scathing internal review of the All Blacks environment, with senior players understood to be deeply unhappy with the coaching, culture and overall direction of the team. The Herald revealed last December that frustrations had been simmering behind the scenes after the All Blacks’ failed Grand Slam tour. That discontent has now been laid bare in an internal review, placing NZ Rugby’s hierarchy under intense pressure to act. MORE: Report raises further doubts over Razor’s authority Crucially, The Herald understands that the strongest criticism has come from senior players, with dissatisfaction building throughout coach Scott Robertson’s two-year tenure. Robertson, along with senior assistant Scott Hansen, are among those to have received pointed feedback. At the centre of the storm is Ardie Savea, one of the team’s most influential leaders. Savea captained the All Blacks several times last year in the absence of Scott Barrett and is believed to be “seriously unhappy” with the current environment. Savea is reportedly actively exploring options to extend his stay with Japanese club Kobe beyond this year, or potentially move to Europe, with Irish powerhouse Leinster mentioned as a possible destination. Unless significant coaching changes are made, Savea may not return to the All Blacks. ALSO: All Blacks riven by ‘widespread internal frustrations’ While the 32-year-old remains contracted to NZ Rugby through to 2027, and the organisation expects him back from Japan, the situation is far from settled. Savea is believed to have delivered strong, direct feedback to NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk following last year’s Grand Slam tour. Importantly, Savea is not alone. The Herald reports that dissatisfaction with the All Blacks setup extends beyond one player, with at least one senior Blues player understood to have declined an invitation to step up from the All Blacks XV for the final Test of the year in Cardiff. FULL STORY Photo: Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images The post Ardie could walk away from All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

1 hour ago

Bath beat Sharks to Du Preez signing

Bath have reportedly won the race to secure the services of one of the Du Preez brothers for next season. According to RugbyPass, the English Premiership title-holders have been successful in their pursuit of Dan du Preez, beating off strong interest from the Sharks. The Durban-side had identified Du Preez as a marquee replacement for Siya Kolisi, who joins the Stormers in July. MORE: Former Stormers centre signs for Toulon If completed, the deal will see him become the third and final Du Preez brother to depart Sale, bringing an end to one of the club’s most influential family eras. Flyhalf Rob du Preez is heading to Bayonne in the Top 14 next season, while Jean-Luc du Preez moved to Bordeaux Begles ahead of the current season. Dan du Preez has endured a stop-start season in Manchester, making just four Premiership appearances and battling injury. Even so, his pedigree and versatility remain highly valued, particularly by a Bath side looking to reinforce their back row as they defend domestic and European ambitions. ALSO: Bok lock heading to England However, Bath’s gain may be offset by a significant loss in the front row. Veteran loosehead Francois van Wyk is expected to leave The Rec when his contract expires, with Connacht emerging as his likely destination. The former Western Province heavy, who turns 35 next July, has built a long Premiership career since arriving in England in 2017, featuring for the Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers and now Bath. FULL STORY Photo: @SaleSharksRugby/X The post Bath beat Sharks to Du Preez signing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

3 hours ago