Savea commits to Wellington Lions

Hurricanes wing Julian Savea will remain in New Zealand following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season to play Mitre 10 Cup for Wellington Lions as he tries to fight his way back into the All Blacks set-up.

Savea's lucrative New Zealand Rugby contract runs until the end of next year and speculation has been rife about a move to Europe, which may require a club to buy out the final year of his NZR deal.

'The Bus' made the last of his 54 caps for the All Blacks in the drawn decider against the British and Irish Lions last July.

The Lions start their Mitre 10 Premiership campaign on August 19 and the news of Savea's return has pleased Wellington coach Chris Gibbes.

You can’t put a value on how much a player like Julian can bring to a squad in this competition,” Gibbes told Stuff regarding the news.

“We saw it last year with what he contributed on and off the field and we are delighted he has again put himself forward to be one of the squad’s key leaders.”

Savea added: “I’m still really keen to be part of the set-up again and doing my best to contribute as much as I can to the squad.

“The desire I have to play for Wellington is still really strong as is my determination to continue to play well in New Zealand.”