New Zealand All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has been linked with a sensational code switch to the NRL where he could join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural season.

The 32-year-old is one of the greats in the sport of rugby union, but has never tried his hand in rugby league.

While he is currently focused on New Zealand's build to the World Cup in the 15-man game that will be held in Australia next year, reports have emerged from multiple outlets on Monday that he could be a target for the Chiefs as they build for their inaugural season.

Savea was the 2023 World Rugby player of the year and is understood to be on the Chiefs wish list, although his appetite for a chance is unclear at this stage.

Savea would also be 34 years of age by the time he joins the Chiefs, raising further questions around the validity of the move.

He wouldn't be the first rugby union start to make the jump across codes in recent years, although the vast majority have been outside backs, led by Mark Nawaqanitawase and Joseph Suaalii.

A number eight or flanker in rugby union, Savea stands at 184 centimetres and 105 kilograms, having made his professional debut back in 2012 with Wellington.

He then played for the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby competition from 2013 to 2023, while he has also had a stint in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, and has more recently played in the Pacific region for Moana Pasifika.

All up, he has made over 200 appearances in club rugby, while he has also played 111 Tests for the All Blacks, and another 6 games for the national Sevens team.

The All Blacks skipper hasn't claimed a World Cup crown, but finished third in 2019, and lost the final in 2023.

The Chiefs have made plenty of signings for their opening season, locking up Joseph Manu, Brian To'o, Alex Johnston, Jarome Luai and Zac Lomax for their backline, but are short on forwards at this stage with only English prop Matty Lees and utility Connor Watson secured.

The reports around Savea come as the club also reportedly lock into negotiations with Canberra Raiders second-rower Hudson Young ahead of November 1 when they will be able to freely negotiate with all players in the NRL off-contract at the end of 2027.