Moana Pasifika says it is to disband after the 2026 Super Rugby season amid financial and playing difficulties.
After five years in Super Rugby, the Auckland-based team says the decision was made after it concluded it was no longer financially viable to keep playing.
Franchise chairman Dr Kiki Maoate says “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,” he says.
“We have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of.”
So far this season, the side has conceded at least 50 points against four of their five NZ opponents.
MOANA CRITERIA
Moana Pasifika was designed to develop primarily Samoan and Tongan players for their home unions with exemptions granted to NZ and Australian players.
Former Wallaby Sekope Kepu and All Black brothers Julien and Ardie Savea were both able to play for the team while coach Tana Umaga is leaving to join the All Blacks coaching staff led by former Wallaby coach David Rennie.
The team’s first game was a one-off match in late 2020 against the Maori All Blacks; they were cleared to join the competition in 2021 and made their Super Rugby debut in 2022 alongside the Fijian Drua.
“We acknowledge our loyal fans for standing by us through the highs and lows – your support has meant everything to us, especially our players,” Dr Maoate says.
“We ask that you stand by your team today.
“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,” he says.
Players and staff will be supported by the franchise, it says.
Moana Pasifika will take on NSW in Sydney this Friday: Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are due to attend the game, Rugby Australia says.
The team sits last on the points table with only one win from eight games; a 40-26 win over hosts Drua in round one.
In 2024, Melbourne lost its Super Rugby team, the Rebels, due to financial difficulties.
There are currently four Australian sides, five NZ sides, a Fiji side and the Moana side in the 11-team competition.
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