New Zealand Rugby to make final decision on Moana Pasifika in coming weeks but prospects look bleak

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

• Two parties have expressed an interest in keeping franchise alive.

• Final decision will be made by the NZ Rugby board.

• Clubs in NZ and overseas have already signed Moana Pasifika players.

The New Zealand Rugby board is yet to make a final decision on the future of Moana Pasifika, but all signs point to the franchise folding in the coming weeks.

The Post understands that two parties have expressed an interest in keeping Moana Pasifka alive, but doubts persist about how either would bring in enough revenue and some Moana Pasifika players have already signed with other clubs, both in New Zealand and overseas.

In a further indication of the mood within the camp, Moana Pasifika players and staff remained on the field at the end of the Reds game at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday in what looked like a final gesture of appreciation to the supporters who have have stuck by them.

Liquidators were appointed to the holding company behind Moana Pasifika on Monday, although The Post understands this in itself would not prevent another party rescuing the franchise under a different structure.

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The bigger question is whether anyone can come up with a credible and sustainable revenue plan at a time when the club rugby model across the world is in trouble.

Clubs in both hemispheres are bleeding countless millions of dollars every year, with no end to those losses in sight.

Even the idea of wealthy clubs in Europe is largely a mirage, with Munster chief executive Ian Flanagan telling the Irish Examiner on Monday that underwhelming broadcast deals for the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship were the reason for his province’s financial struggles.

A final decision on Moana Pasifika is likely to be made by NZ Rugby in June, given there is a need to lock in a format for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027.

While Moana Pasifika have won only one game this season, a number of their players will have no problems finding new clubs.

Forwards Miracle Faiʻilagi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Millennium Sanerivi would thrive in France or Japan, while playmakers William Havili and Patrick Pellegrini have shown their Super Rugby qualities over a number of campaigns.

Raw but exciting winger Israel Leota put himself in the shop window with a spectacular try against the Highlanders in Super Round, and backed that up with another fine individual effort against the Reds.

Outside back Glen Vaihu has also impressed this year, and a number of New Zealand clubs have gaps to fill due to the exodus of players leaving this year.

However, if Moana Pasifika fold the real value could be found among their coaching ranks.

Alando Soakai has already won an NPC title with Wellington, Seilala Mapusua coached Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Tom Coventry has a wealth of knowledge and experience and scrum coach Pauliasi Manu has done an admirable job with their set-piece.