Few players in modern rugby have left an impact as thunderous and unforgettable as Julian Savea, the New Zealand winger whose explosive runs earned him the iconic nickname “The Bus.” From rewriting World Cup history to surviving one of the most humiliating moments in professional sport, Savea’s career reads like a dramatic script — full of dominance, controversy, and an inspiring comeback.
Savea’s rise was immediate and spectacular. Bursting onto the Test scene in 2012, he made headlines across the rugby world after scoring a hat-trick on debut against Ireland. It wasn’t just the tries — it was the manner. Defenders bounced off him, crowds roared whenever he touched the ball, and rugby analysts agreed that a new superstar had arrived.
But the world hadn’t seen anything yet.
Savea reached his peak in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where he became a global sensation. With 8 tries, he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and produced one of the greatest moments in World Cup history — his bulldozing run against France, plowing through multiple defenders as if they were paper. That tournament confirmed him as one of the most lethal finishers the sport had ever seen. With 46 tries in 54 Tests, Savea remains among the most efficient try-scorers in All Blacks history.
Yet after years of dominance, the path turned rough. A loss of form, intense competition within the All Blacks squad, and tactical changes led coach Steve Hansen to drop him from the Test team. Still determined to prove himself, Savea moved to Toulon in France — a decision that quickly spiralled into the most controversial chapter of his career.
In 2019, after a string of inconsistent performances, Toulon’s outspoken owner shocked the rugby world by publicly attacking Savea, going as far as to say he wanted a “DNA test” to check if he was really Julian Savea. The humiliating statement went viral and became one of the most talked-about rugby scandals in years. Fans, former All Blacks, and international players rallied behind Savea, criticising the disrespect he faced.
But like every true champion, Savea refused to stay down.
Returning home to New Zealand, he resumed his career with the Hurricanes, reconnecting with the environment that made him great. Later, he joined Wellington and recently Moana Pasifika, where he has transformed into a leader and mentor while still showcasing flashes of his trademark power.
Today, Julian Savea stands as a testament to resilience. He dominated the world, was dragged through one of rugby’s harshest public criticisms, and still fought his way back into the professional arena with dignity and determination.
His story reminds fans everywhere that legends aren’t made only by their highlights — but by the strength they show when everything falls apart.
