Hurricanes coach Jason Holland is confident his side will retain the services of newly minted All Blacks captain Ardie Savea for 2022 and Super Rugby Pacific.
Savea, 27, is still yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep him in the capital for the future, with his current deal up at the end of the year.
While there is little doubt that Savea will re-sign with NZ Rugby, speculation has been rife as to whether or not the loose forward could look to jump ship and sign with Moana Pasifika - as they prepare for their debut season in Super Rugby in next year's competition.
While primarily a vehicle for developing players from Tonga and Samoa, Moana Pasifika have room on their roster to sign talent from New Zealand, and the Hurricanes' captain would be the ideal man to build their side around.
But the Hurricanes are almost certain that Savea will re-sign, as they target improvement after finishing 2021 as the only New Zealand side not to play in a final - with the Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders all having battled for silverware across Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
"It's really close - it's just a matter of getting things done with New Zealand Rugby," Holland told Newshub.
"He's ready to sign, I think, but [we need] the last little bits and pieces getting over the line.
"It's normally September-October where we sign off a lot of those guys, so we're thinking that'll be done pretty shortly."
Elsewhere, Holland adds that the Hurricanes still have room on their roster, but any chances to scout potential talent in the NPC have been scuppered by the competition's suspension after New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown.
"We've got five or six spots to fill. We've been looking to - a bit unfortunate - watch guys and see a run of three or four games in the Bunnings [NPC]," he says.
"I'm sure there's quite a bit of a battle, most teams are in the same spot and watching the same guys.
"Interesting times, and you've got to be aware of replacement players - which are a big part of it with All Blacks away, and with injury stuff.
"You're always watching, always aware and trying to look into that replacement five or six spots in their own region as much as you possibly can.
"We'll be glued to some Bunnings when it kicks off again in a few weeks hopefully."
