All Blacks flanker Ardia Savea has resisted approaches from French club rugby and added two years to his contract with New Zealand Rugby.
The 25-year-old confirmed he had signed until 2021, reportedly backing out of a deal to play for Pau after next year's World Cup in what he described as a "tough decision" on social media.
Savea was one of the best-performed All Blacks in 2018, having to start all the key Tests at the end of the season after first-choice openside Sam Cane suffered a season-ending neck injury.
It had been speculated that Savea would join a number of top-flight All Blacks who have signed French contracts over the last two years.
That includes his older brother and prolific Test-tryscoring winger Julian, who left for Toulon in August.
Ardie Savea has played 35 Tests since his 2016 debut, including 24 as a reserve.
Share
