Another revamp on the cards for Super Rugby
NEWS: The Super Rugby Pacific will have to undergo another revamp with the latest statement from Moana Pasifika.
The franchise has announced that 2026 will be their final year competing in Super Rugby Pacific.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, five years after the club’s debut in the competition.
The official media statement described the decision as “heartbreaking” as the end of the club’s participation in the Super Rugby will affect 60 players and staff members, as well as the broader Pasifika community.
“This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational, and strategic realities facing the franchise as well as professional rugby in New Zealand,” the press release read.
“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition.”
Established in 2020 and joining Super Rugby in 2022 following the exit of the South African franchise.
Moana Pasifika won two games in their opening season and proceeded to improve their results in each of their four-season heading into 2026.
By the 2025 season, which saw All Blacks star Ardie Savea arrive at the club, Moana Pasifika was competing for a maiden play-off berth with a record of six wins and eight losses.
The club revealed they will provide support for all staff and players moving forward, with Savea among those contracted for the 2027 season.
“This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made,” Moana Pasifika Chair, Kiki Maoate said.
“We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years.
“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.
“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”
The team’s 2026 captain, Miracle Faiilagi, is one of the club’s big success stories, stepping straight from Samoa onto the Super Rugby stage and blossoming into one of the competition’s premier loose forwards.
Head coach Tana Umaga, who was set to depart the club at season’s end to join Dave Rennie’s new All Blacks coaching group regardless of the club’s fate, had expanded the club’s pre-season trial program to identify more young Pasifika talent and give them a shot at making the step up to professional rugby.
“We acknowledge our loyal fans for standing by us through the highs and lows – your support has meant everything to us, especially our players. We ask that you stand by your team today,” Maoate added.
“Our story has been one of resilience – not just as a franchise, but as Pacific people. While this will be devastating news to process, we continue to look ahead and navigate these next steps together, just as our people always have.”
