'Devastating': Fijian Drua coach backs Moana Pasifika to stay in Super Rugby Pacific

Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has described the news around Moana Pasifika as “devastating” saying the Pacific presence in Super Rugby Pacific is vital to the competition’s identity.

The Fijian Drua confirmed on Tuesday that Jackson will leave the club at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Fijian Drua assistant head coach Tim Sampson has signed a two-year deal with Scottish club Edinburgh Rugby from the 2026/27 season, the club confirmed.

Edinburgh Rugby said in a statement the highly-rated attack coach brings nearly two decades of Super Rugby experience and has helped shape one of the competition’s most creative attacking systems with the Drua.

Speaking during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jackson responded to confirmation that Moana Pasifika will not continue beyond the 2026 season.

The club announced it had told the players and team officials on Tuesday that Moana Pasifika would exit Super Rugby Pacific after the 2026 season.

The club says it is leaving the competition due to ongoing financial pressures and the inability to sustainably fund the franchise beyond the 2026 season.

New Zealand Rugby says it is disappointed by the decision and remains open to engaging with any parties interested in keeping Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.

Moana Pasifika training session, led by captain Miracle Faiilagi, as the squad prepares for their Super Rugby Pacific Round 10 clash against the NSW Waratahs. Photo/Photosport/file

“It’s called Super Rugby Pacific for a reason,” Jackson said in response to RNZ Pacific during the press conference. “Both Moana and the Drua have brought a different aspect to the whole competition. I know they have tried really hard ... we are Pacific brothers and our hearts are with them.”

Moana Pasifika confirmed the development earlier this week, stating the franchise is “no longer viable” beyond next season.

Despite the uncertainty, Moana Pasifika will see out the current Super Rugby Pacific season, starting with Friday night’s clash against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

The Round 10 fixture comes at a difficult time for head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga’s side, but also offers a chance to respond on the field against a Waratahs team chasing a crucial home win.

Umaga will leave Moana Pasifika at the end of the 2026 season before joining the All Blacks coaching set-up.

Watch Glen Jackson's media conference ahead of the Fijian Drua's round 10 clash against the Brumbies on Saturday.

Moana Pasifika have named a strengthened line-up with Patrick Pellegrini set for a special outing in front of family and friends at Allianz Stadium.

The Sydney-born first five-eighth will make his Super Rugby debut at the venue after an impressive showing against the Chiefs last weekend.

He is joined in the backline by the return of experienced duo Melani Matavao and Jonathan Taumateine while Tuna Tuitama also comes back into the starting side on the wing.

Up front, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, and Semisi Paea are included in the starting pack with Ola Tauelangi named among the reserves.

Moana Pasifika hold a strong recent record against the Waratahs, having won three of their past four meetings, adding extra motivation heading into Friday night’s match.

Fijian Drua players during training. The side take on the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday. Photo/The Fiji Times/Reinal Chand/file

Across the rest of Round 10, the ACT Brumbies welcome back Tom Wright for their clash with the Fijian Drua in Canberra while the Western Force return home to face the Crusaders in Perth. The Queensland Reds have the bye.

The Drua remain winless on the road this season and face a tough assignment against a Brumbies side expected to test them up front and at the set-piece.

But previous meetings have shown they can trouble Canberra’s scrum when at their best.

For Jackson, however, the focus remains wider than results alone: on what the Pacific teams have brought to the competition since joining.

His comments reflect a growing concern around the future shape of Super Rugby Pacific, and what it could mean for Pasifika representation if Moana is not replaced.

As Round 10 begins, attention now turns back to the field. But the off-field uncertainty is casting a shadow over one of the competition’s most important storylines.

Moana Pasifika vs Waratahs, Friday 17 April, Allianz Stadium - Sydney, 9.30pm (NZT). Fijian Drua vs ACT Brumbies, Saturday 18 April, GIO Stadium - Canberra, 9.35pm (NZT).

For more information on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.

Watch Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen's full interview on PMN Tonga below.

TEAMS

MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c) Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Jimmy Tupou, Ola Tauelangi, Jonathan Taumateine, Faletoi Peni, Tyler Pulini.

WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey. Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly.

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Ben Woolerton. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

DRUA (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatava, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu. Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Joseva Tamani, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead.