‘Heartbreaking decision’: Moana Pasifika announce they will quit Super Rugby

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Moana Pasifika have announced they will disband and exit Super Rugby Pacific after five years in existence.

The Tana Umaga-coached side released a statement on Wednesday confirming the news, saying the “this decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational, and strategic realities facing the franchise as well as professional rugby in New Zealand”.

In a statement, Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate said: “This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made.

“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 Post understands that there are still faint hopes that Moana Pasifika can be saved, with more than one party hoping to rescue them.

However, putting together a sustainable business model will be a challenge for any potential investor.

The Post also understands that Moana Pasifika players will be paid out in full for the remainder of the 2026 season and then will become free agents.

Standout players such as No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa will be in demand, although some teams such as the Highlanders have already locked in their loose forwards for next year.

World Rugby helped fund Moana Pasifika when it entered the competition in 2022, before the Pasifika Medical Association took over as majority shareholder in 2024.

Questions about Moana Pasifika’s future circulated last September, with The Post reporting the New Zealand Rugby board met in Wellington to discuss Moana Pasifika in light of ongoing concerns surrounding their funding model.

Chief executive Debbie Sorensen told The Post last July Moana Pasifika were here to stay.

“The foundations are strong. It is important to note that Moana Pasifika’s funding model is built on established rugby revenue streams - including NZ Rugby, World Rugby, broadcast rights, and a growing network of commercial partners,” she said.

“We are on track to finish the (2025) financial year ahead of forecast.”

However, the harsh realities of running a Super Rugby franchise made it inevitable that Moana Pasifika would need to secure new investment to be a sustainable longer-term proposition.

Former All Black, Samoa and Highlanders rep Lima Sopoaga issued a plea on social media on Tuesday, asking “everyone with the power to keep this team alive” to “please do the right thing.”

“This team isn’t just rugby. It’s our people. It’s proof that Pacific Island players belong at the highest level of this game not on the fringes, not as an afterthought, but right there in the middle of it,” Sopoaga wrote.

Moana Pasifika are last on the ladder with one win and seven losses this season under Umaga, who will depart at season’s end to become an All Blacks assistant to Dave Rennie.

All Blacks star Ardie Savea proved a monumental recruit last year and helped them finish seventh, just outside the playoffs.

Savea took a NZ Rugby sabbatical this year to play in Japan but will return for the All Blacks season, and was contracted to return to Moana Pasifika next year.

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, New Zealand Rugby said it was “saddened by the challenges the club faces”.

“New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the Moana Pasifika board’s decision that it is no longer viable for the club to continue beyond the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season,” it said.

“Our immediate thoughts are with the players and their families, management and fans.

“Moana Pasifika has confirmed to NZR that it will continue to compete through to the conclusion of the current season. We know that they will give everything on the field to continue to inspire their communities.

“NZR remains supportive of Moana Pasifika’s vision to create pathways from the Pacific and is saddened by the challenges the club faces.

“We are aware there may be parties exploring financially viable and sustainable plans for the future of the team. NZ Rugby is open to engaging with those parties to discuss the club’s continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific.”