In something of a cultural homecoming, Ardie Savea, a proud Islander, is linking up with Moana Pasifika in his 2025 Super Rugby return for what he called "God's purpose for me to lead".

The Polynesian franchise based in Auckland's North Shore made the announcement that Savea, one of the most decorated All Blacks in recent times, will captain Moana Pasifika in his return to Super Rugby after leaving the Hurricanes nearly 24 months ago for an overseas stint.

Savea spent the past two seasons playing for Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan.

While an inevitable return to New Zealand was always in order, the 31-year-old's decision to sign for Moana Pasifika, and not the Hurricanes – his home franchise in Wellington over the previous decade – was arguably most significant player transfer in Super Rugby history.

Born in the nation's capital to Samoan parents, a new transfer was a way for Savea to repay his culture and roots for the Polynesian diaspora that supports Moana Pasifika.

The move connects Savea up with Moana Pasifika coach and All Black great Tana Umaga.

The 51-year-old first established a path three decades earlier for other New Zealand-born, Polynesian players to follow.

Savea spoke about the importance of skippering the side and mentoring the largely Polynesian player group toward a new era of success.

Moana Pasifika have struggled since joining the revitalised Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2022, having finished last in its opening two years and a marginally better second-last in 2024.

"(The announcement) is pretty special and I believe it's God's purpose for me to lead," Savea said at a recent press conference outside North Harbour Stadium.

"When I signed with the team, Tana (Umaga) spoke to me about it, and I went away and thought about it.

"After spending some time talking to my wife and those close to me, I realised it was the right decision to say yes.

"First and foremost, I've got to lead myself first and that's through my performance on the field and how I operate at trainings, and off the field as well.

"I also want to serve the brothers, serve the team; serve the franchise and serve the people anyway I can."

The loose forward played 94 Tests for New Zealand including being named the All Blacks captain in 2021 before leaving for Japanese club rugby within another two years.

Savea said it was an honour to be the face of his cultural ancestry.

The Moana Pasifika identity launched a push for a Polynesian side in a match against the Maori All Blacks in 2020, ahead of a revised Super Rugby competition after South African regional teams withdrew following the pandemic to instead play in Europe.

Within 18 months, Moana Pasifika – along with Fijian Drua – were given provisional licences.

"You know, being around these brothers and the sisters in our team, it means a lot," he said.

"I think it's more than a rugby game for us.

"It's when you're playing for a bigger purpose, not only just for a team, for everyone that we represent.

"I think there's like this spirit there – that's what makes you want to just give it all."

Savea and his new teammates spent the last weekend in a training camp, busy bonding and building team chemistry before the season commences later this month.

"Some of the boys, I had never met before, so this weekend in camp has been awesome to spend some time with the brothers," Savea said.

"Being able to lean on the great leaders that are already here has been awesome too."

Savea had signalled his intentions to play for Moana Pasifika last July before the captaincy announcement was confirmed only days ago.

In his second season in charge of the perennial underachievers, Umaga all but handpicked Savea to change the playing culture and enhance a spirited Polynesian culture.

He said he was rapt what the experienced Savea brings to the team.

"Ardie is a hard worker and incredible role model, who pushes others to be better by setting a high standard for himself, both professionally and personally," Umaga said.

"That's something that stands out for us as a good leader, bringing out the best in the team and uplifting others.

"He's a natural leader, who is going to have a massive impact on our team."