Moana Pasifika confirm ‘heartbreaking’ exit from Super Rugby Pacific
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Moana Pasifika have confirmed their demise and will disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Pacific team formed in 2022 said on Wednesday it was not viable to continue after five years in Super Rugby.
The franchise said it was a “heartbreaking” decision but came after extensive consideration of the financial, operational and strategic challenges.
“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition,” Moana’s statement read.
Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate said it was “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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Tana Umaga’s team sit bottom of the standings with six matches to fulfil.
Concerns about their financial sustainability have lingered throughout their existence, as well as settling at a permanent home.
Poor attendance figures have been troubling, too, with stadiums sparse for most of their home matches.
“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.”
Moana’s departure will mean job losses for dozens of staff and leave players with an uncertain future. They were told the franchise was disbanding on Tuesday.
Super Rugby will also be reduced to 10 teams from 2027 and mean another tweak to the competition after the Melbourne Rebels folded in 2024.
New Zealand Rugby said they were “saddened” by Moana’s predicament.
“Our immediate thoughts are with the players and their families, management, and fans,” NZ Rugby’s statement read.
“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. NZR is open to engaging with those parties to discuss the club’s continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific.”
Super Rugby officials have been approached for comment.
Moana’s troubled time in Super Rugby
Moana’s first match was against the Māori All Blacks in Hamilton in late 2020.
Granted a licence in 2021, Moana were added to Super Rugby in 2022 and initially had financial support from the New Zealand Government and World Rugby, but that backing has dried up.
They were established and owned by the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, with the intention of offering career pathways for Pasifika people.
The team was also hopeful of attracting some of the best Pacific players from around the world.
Like New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams, Moana were not directly affiliated to NZ Rugby, the national game’s governing body.
In 2024 a majority share of the franchise was sold to the Pasifika Medical Association Group, which was previously a minor shareholder.
They struggled desperately on the field with just three wins from their first two years when Aaron Mauger was coach.
Another issue was woeful attendances for their home matches at Go Media Stadium, and finding a permanent base. They have hosted fixtures in Auckland, Whangārei and Pukekohe, as well as playing in Samoa and Tonga once in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
When Umaga replaced Mauger in 2024, Moana moved to North Harbour Stadium in Albany and while they improved to register four wins, low crowds were still a problem.
The arrival of superstar All Black Ardie Savea, one of the world’s best players, inspired their best performances last year and there were memorable wins over the Crusaders and the Blues. Attendances and public interest rose.
Still, two heavy losses to the Chiefs and the Hurricanes in the final rounds cost them a first appearance in the playoffs.
Without Savea this season — he has been on another sabbatical in Japanese rugby — Moana have struggled to compete and crowds have plummeted again.
The plan to stage last Saturday’s match with the Chiefs in Tonga had to be scrapped because of a lack of funding and sponsorship. It was switched Rotorua, a city in the Chiefs’ region.
Moana are rock bottom with a 1-7 record and have lost seven on the bounce ahead of facing the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night.
Sixteen points outside the top six, they are unlikely to make the playoffs with six matches to play.