Moana Pasifika share emotional message to fans ahead of final match

A recent development has seen a consortium led by former All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino submit a second bid to purchase Moana Pasifika after confirmation the club is set to enter liquidation.

On Monday, May 25, shareholders voted to wind up the franchise, with Teneo Financial Advisory appointed to manage the liquidation process.

The club’s majority owners, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), have already stated they are no longer in a position to financially support the side.

Since entering Super Rugby five years ago, Moana Pasifika has endured difficulties both on and off the field, recording just 14 wins from 69 matches while also struggling to meet expectations around developing Pacific rugby talent.

The team’s inability to consistently host fixtures in Samoa or Tonga has also impacted its growth, while attendances in New Zealand have regularly fallen below expectations.

Currently anchored to the bottom of the ladder with one win from 13 matches, Moana Pasifika head to Canberra this weekend to take on the Brumbies in what may become the club’s farewell match.

Before the game, Media and Communications Advisor Shontelle Matano shared an emotional message as part of the team announcement.

"Fa'afetai tele lava [Thank you very much] to all our devoted fans from near and far who have supported us through the highs and lows.

"This team belongs to our people and we hope you have felt that sense of belonging and connection to what we stand for, over the last five years.

"The journey for Moana Pasifika doesn't end here. This is just part of our story and we look forward to what the future holds."

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said the side remains focused heading into their final game of the season against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

"We've got nothing to lose and we’ve got to be confident in what we're doing," Umaga said. "We're not going over there just to make up some numbers, we want to go over there and get a good result for ourselves."

With the season drawing to a close, the match also offers an opportunity to reflect on the club’s journey over the past five years.

Moana Pasifika has worked tirelessly to build a movement and connect with communities across the Pacific and beyond.

Umaga recalled a meaningful interaction with supporters following last week’s match, saying it perfectly captured the spirit of the club.

"I had a great interaction with supporters after the game. They live in Auckland and they tried supporting other teams.

"They're also non-Pacific but when they came here they felt like this is a safe place that represents family, faith and they have a good time. [They said] we have a good vibe and that's encouraging.

"Everything that we have done at our club and what we have tried to portray, we were unapologetically Pacific and some people really resonated with that and they enjoyed that. That's just us being us," Umaga said.

The club’s mission to create opportunities for emerging Pasifika rugby talent has helped uncover players such as captain Miracle Faiilagi and explosive forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.

Both players will feature in Canberra as they aim to continue their strong form.