'It's about identity': Reaction grows as Moana Pasifika to exit Super Rugby Pacific

Moana Pasifika will disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, confirming fears that one of the game’s most important Pacific teams is coming to an end.

In an official statement, Dr Kiki Maoate (ONZM, FRACS), the club chair, said it had made the “extremely difficult decision” to shut down the franchise after five years in the competition.

“This decision was not made lightly,” he said.

“Despite the incredible dedication of our players, staff and supporters, and the strong partnerships we have built over the years, the current financial and strategic realities mean that continuing the franchise at this level is no longer viable.”

Maoate said the decision was "one of the hardest" the organisation has had to make.

He said the focus now is on supporting those affected as the club winds down.

“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”

New Zealand Rugby has now also responded to the announcement.

Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate, left, and chief executive Debbie Sorensen have confirmed the franchise will disband after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, ending a key chapter for Pacific rugby. Photo/PMA/RNZ

New Zealand Rugby reaction

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has responded to Moana Pasifika’s decision to disband, saying it is “disappointed” by the news and acknowledging the impact on players, staff and fans.

“New Zealand Rugby (NZR) acknowledges the Moana Pasifika Board's decision that it is no longer viable for the club to continue beyond the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.”

The governing body said its immediate focus is on those affected.

“Our immediate thoughts are with the players and their families, management and fans.”

NZR also restated its support for the club’s original vision and said it remains open to discussions about possible future involvement in Super Rugby.

“NZR remains supportive of Moana Pasifika's vision to create pathways from the Pacific and is saddened by the challenges the club faces. We are aware there may be parties exploring financially viable and sustainable plans for the future of the team. NZR is open to engaging with those parties to discuss the club's continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific.”

Moana Pasifika gave Pacific players a team to call their own. Now, that pathway is set to disappear. Photo/Photosport/Kerry Marshall

Competition impact and what happens next

Moana Pasifika’s exit means Super Rugby Pacific will be reduced to 10 teams from 2027, following the earlier collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, which were wound up at the end of the 2024 season due to financial difficulties.

Experts say the changes add further instability to the competition’s structure and raise wider questions about the sustainability of expansion teams.

Attention is now turning to what happens to players and staff once the franchise ends.

With the club set to wind down after 2026, players will need to secure new contracts across the rugby world. Other Super Rugby franchises in New Zealand and Australia are expected to look at available talent, while opportunities also exist in Europe and Japan, where clubs regularly recruit Pacific players.

The uncertainty highlights the wider concern now facing Pacific rugby - not just where players go next, but how a clear pathway is maintained without Moana Pasifika as a standalone team.

Listen to Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi break down the latest on Moana Pasifika and what it means for the future of Pacific rugby.

Pacific reaction

Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi said the decision goes far beyond sport.

“This one hurts. I mean, it really does. I think when you hear the reports that Moana Pasifika could be axed at the end of the season, I mean, it’s more than just rugby, right? This is about the identity of who we are, opportunity, and a vision that means something for Pacific people everywhere.”

He said the team represented something deeper than competition. “Moana Pasifika wasn’t just a team, I mean, it really was a bridge connecting our players to their heritage and while competing at the highest level in Super Rugby.”

Tuilagi also pointed to the global spread of Pacific talent as evidence of both success and imbalance in the system.

“When you look around the world, Pacific players are everywhere. I mean, they’re starring for the All Blacks, they’re representing the Wallabies, they’re wearing the white England national rugby union team. I mean, they dominate in Europe, Japan and beyond.”

He said the issue is not talent, but structure. “The talent was never the issue. I think the issue is we’ve built systems where Pacific players succeed everywhere except in something that’s truly ours, which is here.”

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and former captain and All Blacks star Ardie Savea have been central to the club, which now face an uncertain future as the franchise prepares to disband. Photo/Moana Pasifika

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, who will leave at the end of the season to join the All Blacks coaching staff, recently spoke about the importance of what the team represents.

"We don’t get funding from them anymore, and that’s their decision," he said.

"But if you look around the world, around how many Pacific Island players are playing in all these different countries, you don’t want to lose sight of who we represent and what we can do for this game."

As Moana Pasifika prepare for their final season, the focus now shifts beyond results and standings to a bigger question: what comes next for Pacific representation at the highest level of the game, and who will fill the space left behind?