Moana Pasifika cut from Super Rugby in 2027 as revenue projections fall short of NZ Rugby demands
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Moana Pasifika will not be part of Super Rugby Pacific next year, New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby chief financial officer Chris Kinraid said the decision had been made now to provide certainty and stability to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
“We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027,” he said.
“We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future.
Read more:
How the All Blacks could line up against France - and the case for Beauden Barrett to start
Hurricanes-Chiefs final delivers Sky’s highest-rating broadcast of the year so far
Captain David Havili to quit Crusaders for Japan in 2027, after All Blacks omission
“We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements
“We also acknowledge the engagement of Minister Winston Peters and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the recognition of the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.
“This has been a difficult time for the Moana Pasifika players, management and fans, and the communities that supported them.
“A lot of hard work has gone into looking at all possibilities for next season.
“Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met.”
The Post understands that proposals to keep the franchise going in 2027 fell significantly short of what was required, both in terms of revenue projections and in turn the amount of capital needed.
“A competitive and sustainable team needs commercial revenue of more than $10 million, in addition to broadcast revenue; and at least NZ$15 million in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves,” Kinraid said.
A statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who had been involved in efforts to save Moana Pasifika, lamented the lack of time available to put together a rescue package.
“We are very disappointed for Pacific rugby and for the many fans who have supported Moana Pasifika that New Zealand Rugby has chosen to announce today that the team will not be participating in the 2027 Super Rugby competition,” Peters said.
“Today's announcement will be felt strongly by players, their families and supporters. It will also be disappointing to many people in the Pacific who have got in behind the team.
“Less than a month ago, we were approached by a number of parties and rugby lovers seeking our support to put Moana Pasifika on a financially sustainable footing.
“It would have been helpful if Moana Pasifika had come to us earlier about their financial situation.
“Achieving a result in three weeks to facilitate Moana Pasifika being part of the 2027 season was always going to be a bridge too far.
“We had hoped NZ Rugby would grant us more time, but they decided they had to move ahead announcing today that the team will not be part of Super Rugby next year.”
The development means that new All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will be at a new club next year.
The Blues are favourites to land his signature after losing Dalton Papali’i to French club Castres.
Super Rugby Pacific will be a 10-team competition in 2027, and tournaments organisers said 'further details regarding the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season format will be communicated in the coming weeks“.