CLUB STATEMENT: Moana Pasifika confirm plans to disband Super Rugby team

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 12:07

byTom Sansom

After reports began to emerge around the uncertain future of Moana Pasifika, the franchise has today confirmed it's decision to disband the team and withdraw from Super Rugby at the end of the season.

The statement from the club reads in full:

Moana Pasifika announces the difficult decision to disband its Super Rugby team after the conclusion of the 2026 season, thanking the community for its unwavering support.

After 5 years of competing in the Super Rugby competition and engaging with communities, Moana Pasifika have made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to disband their Super Rugby franchise following the conclusion of the 2026 season.

This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational, and strategic realities facing the franchise as well as professional rugby in New Zealand. Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition.

Moana Pasifika Chair, 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.

“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.”

Moana Pasifika’s journey began in 2020, signalled by a vision to harness the sporting greatness of the Pacific, which was realised in a landmark exhibition of Pacific talent against the Māori All Blacks. In 2021, the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was founded by Savae La’auli Sir Michael Jones KNZM and Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams KNZM, with a mission to create the first professional Pacific rugby team.

In 2022, Moana Pasifika earned its place in the fiercely competitive Super Rugby Pacific arena – a landscape dominated by franchises with decades of history.

“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.

“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,” Dr Maoate says.

Moana Pasifika will provide support to all players and staff during this transition.

5 QUICK FACTS: MOANA PASIFIKA

1. Founded to represent the Pacific: Moana Pasifika was created to give a professional Super Rugby pathway for players of Samoan, Tongan, Fijian and Cook Islands heritage, bringing Pacific identity into the competition.

2. Super Rugby debut in 2022: The team played its first-ever Super Rugby match in March 2022, marking the arrival of a dedicated Pacific-based franchise in the southern hemisphere’s top club competition.

3. NZ-based home ground: Despite its Pacific identity, the team is based in Auckland, New Zealand, and plays most home games at North Harbour Stadium.

4. Fast-growing squad identity: The side has featured a mix of current internationals and emerging talent, including high-profile Pacific stars alongside New Zealand-based players eligible through heritage.

5. First historic win came in year one: Moana Pasifika recorded their first Super Rugby victory in 2022, a dramatic golden-point win that quickly became a landmark moment in their early history.