‘Heartbroken’: Why Moana Pasifika won't play Super Rugby Pacific match against the Chiefs in Tonga

Monday, 23 February 2026

Clark Laidlaw was devastated after a serious injury to Brett Cameron overshadowed his team's 52-10 rout of Moana Pasifika.

A lack of funding and sponsorship has forced Moana Pasifika to abandon plans to play the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific match in Tonga on April 11.

The round-nine fixture was be played at Teufaiva Sport Stadium.

Moana Pasifika chief executive officer Debbie Sorensen confirmed the decision came down to lack of funding and sponsorship.

“We have explored every avenue possible to try and make it work, but unfortunately we were unable to secure the necessary sponsorship to bring this game to Tonga,’’ Sorensen said in a statement.

“The challenge we face is that we are not funded to bring any games to the Pacific region, and we believe we should be.

“While we are heartbroken for our team, our fans, and especially our families in Tonga, we remain hopeful and deeply committed to growing the game in the region.

“We look forward to opportunities to bring world-class rugby to Tonga and other Pacific countries as soon as possible.”

Moana Pasifika is now working with Super Rugby Pacific, NZ Rugby and the Chiefs to find an alternative venue.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Aisea Aholelei said he hoped Moana Pasifika would play matches in Tonga in the future.

'I totally understand the situation but it is unfortunate Moana Pasifika cannot make it this year.

“Moana is in very similar circumstances to Tonga Rugby Union. Whenever we want to play a game here in Tonga, it's always a loss making exercise unless a significant sponsor comes our way.

“I hope to come over sometime soon to support our team and work on how we can make Moana Pasifika stronger.’’

Moana Pasifika currently sit seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, having beaten the Fijian Drua in Lautoka in the opening round, followed by a loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.