From Sāmoan village to Super Rugby captain: Miracle Faiilagi to lead Moana Pasifika in 2026

Miracle Faiilagi has been named captain of Moana Pasifika for the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and is "grateful, honoured" and ready for the challenge.

The 25-year-old loose forward steps into the role after the departure of All Blacks star Ardie Savea, who is in Japan playing for the Kobe Steelers.

A standout talent for Moana Pasifika and Manu Sāmoa, Faiilagi becomes the latest figure to lead a team that represents Pacific pride on the international rugby stage.

His journey to the captaincy is remarkable. Hailing from the Sāmoan villages of Vailele and Uafato, Faiilagi began playing rugby on gravel and cricket pitches in his village before representing Vailele Rugby Club.

He made his mark in the local Super Nine competition, winning two Under-20 championships with the Taula Eels and earning the 2019 Super9 U20 Player of the Tournament award. He also represented Sāmoa in Sevens rugby in 2021.

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I just give praise to God,” Faiilagi told a media conference in Auckland on Tuesday. “It’s His plan that I’m here. God put me in this position and it’s a role that I’m ready to step into and give it my best.

Moana Pasifika train in Auckland on Tuesday ahead of their first match of the Super Rugby season against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on 14 February. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this team. I’m not only leading the boys and this whole organisation, but I’m leading Pasifika people.

“When Tana asked me to be captain, I went away and gathered information from previous leaders, especially Ardie and Jimmy Lay,” Faiilagi says.

Faiilagi was the first player to sign a Super Rugby contract directly from Sāmoan club rugby, after being identified at the World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva in 2022.

Miracle Faiilagi, left, will lead Moana Pasifika, following the departure of Ardie Savea who is in Japan. Photo/Moana Pasifika/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

He made his Super Rugby debut with Moana Pasifika in 2023, impressing coaches and fans alike with his physicality, skill, and leadership potential.

In his debut season, Faiilagi scored five tries, including two spectacular tries against the Reds at Apia Park in Moana Pasifika’s first-ever game in Sāmoa.

His performances earned him the Moana Pasifika Niu Rookie of the Year award and a place in the Manu Sāmoa squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Injury limited his 2024 Super Rugby season, but he returned in 2025 to deliver arguably his best campaign yet.

Across 13 appearances, he scored eight tries, including a hat-trick in a win over the Hurricanes, and recorded 766 carry metres and 31 tackle breaks.

He also shared the Moana Pasifika Attacking Player of the Year award with team-mate Kyren Taumoefolau.

“Looking back, I was just a kid from the Islands that wanted to make the most of the opportunity and back in the Islands, we hardly get these opportunities,” Faiilagi says.

“For the kids back in the Islands, I hope this encourages them to keep pursuing their dreams in whatever field that they’re trying to reach. Just keep believing in themselves, put God first and do the hard work.”

Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga praised Faiilagi’s leadership and cultural grounding.

“Mira represents a true Moana man. He works hard, leads by example, and embraces his culture and values," the All Black legend told reporters. "His journey from a village in Sāmoa to Super Rugby captain is inspiring for Pasifika kids everywhere.”

Faiilagi says he sought advice from former leaders, including Savea and Jimmy Lay, to understand the responsibilities of captaincy.

“It’s a big responsibility, but I’m ready to step into this role and give it my best. I want to show young Pasifika players that anything is possible if they work hard, believe in themselves, and put God first.”

Miracle Faiilagi starred in their 27-21 victory over the Blues in May 2025. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

Since joining Moana Pasifika in 2023, Faiilagi has become a cornerstone of the team, known for his galvanising play, resilience, and ability to inspire those around him.

As the first Sāmoan club player to make the step directly into Super Rugby, he represents a pathway for future generations of Pacific Island players.

Faiilagi’s story is a testament to talent, faith, and perseverance. From village pitches in Sāmoa to leading a Super Rugby team, he embodies the aspirations of Pasifika rugby and is poised to guide Moana Pasifika into a new era.

The side finished in seventh place last year. They face the Fijian Drua in their opening match of the 2026 season on 14 February in Lautoka.

For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby competition, click here.

Ardie Savea. Photo/TikTok

Meanwhile, Savea has sustained a serious eye injury while playing for Kobe in their 22-20 win over Tokyo Sungoliath.

He posted a TikTok showing heavy bruising and several stitches above his right eye.

The flanker has a history of eye issues, having previously experimented with protective goggles during the 2019 Rugby World Cup to protect his remaining good eye.

Savea revealed at the time that his vision in the left eye was poor, and he wanted to safeguard his sight for the future.

Despite the injury, Savea set up the match-winning try for team-mate Kazuma Ueda. Former All Black Brodie Retallick also scored for Kobe.