Ardie Savea Biography: Medals, Net Worth, Children, Ethnicity, Parents, Instagram, Height, Age, Wife

Ardie Suemalo Savea, professionally known as Ardie Savea, is a New Zealand professional rugby union player renowned as one of the world’s premier loose forwards, playing as flanker or number 8.

With over 100 caps for the All Blacks since his 2016 debut, he was named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2023 after a standout Rugby World Cup campaign.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Ardie Suemalo Savea
• Stage Name: Ardie Savea
• Born: October 14, 1993
• Age: 32 years old
• Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Professional Rugby Union Player
• Height: 1.90 m
• Parents: Masena Savea, Lina Savea
• Siblings: Julian Savea
• Spouse: Saskia Hartmann-Hechenberger (m. 2018)
• Children: Kobe, Keeon, Kove
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Ardie Suemalo Savea was born on October 14, 1993, in Wellington, New Zealand, to Masena Savea and Lina Savea. Growing up in a rugby-passionate family of Samoan heritage, he is the younger brother of former All Blacks winger Julian Savea.

He attended Rongotai College in Wellington, where he captained the First XV and showed early promise as a dynamic back-rower.

His education focused on rugby development from a young age, leading to selections in New Zealand Schools and Under-20 teams. His ethnicity is Samoan-New Zealander, and his religion is unknown.

Career

Ardie Savea made his provincial debut for Wellington in 2012 at age 18, impressing with speed, athleticism, and tackle-breaking ability.

He joined the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2013, becoming a regular starter and contributing to their 2016 title win while also representing New Zealand Sevens early on.

His international breakthrough came with the All Blacks in 2016 against Wales, quickly establishing himself as a key loose forward capable of playing multiple positions in the back row.

Savea became a cornerstone of the All Blacks, earning 101 caps (with 31 tries) by late 2025, including pivotal roles in Rugby World Cups and Rugby Championships.

He captained the Hurricanes in 2021 and led by example through leadership and consistency.

After the 2023 World Cup—where he shone as Player of the Year—he took a sabbatical with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan (2023-2024, returning briefly), then joined Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby while maintaining All Blacks commitments.

Ardie Savea remains a high-profile figure in rugby into 2026, exercising a sabbatical clause to return to Kobelco Kobe Steelers while contracted to NZ Rugby through 2027 (with plans to rejoin Moana Pasifika).

Amid recent All Blacks coaching changes and internal reviews, he continues to represent New Zealand at the elite level, inspiring with his work rate, faith-driven mindset, and contributions to both club and country as one of the sport’s most respected and awarded players.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @ardiesavea

Personal Life

Ardie Savea married his high school sweetheart, Saskia Hartmann-Hechenberger, in 2018. The couple has three children: sons Kobe, Keeon, and Kove.

Family remains central, with Savea often crediting his wife and kids for support during demanding seasons, including time apart during his Japan sabbaticals.

He balances rugby with faith, community involvement, and family life, frequently sharing motivational messages and glimpses of home on social media while emphasizing gratitude and resilience.

Net Worth

Ardie Savea has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His primary sources of income include his All Blacks contract, Super Rugby earnings with Moana Pasifika and prior Hurricanes stints, high-value sabbatical deals with Kobelco Kobe Steelers, and endorsements or sponsorships tied to his status as a former World Player of the Year and global rugby icon.