Moana Pasifika, Fijian Drua rebuild for 2026, farewell key players

Moana Pasifika have announced major changes to their team ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific championship.

Following a historic 2025 season, they achieved their best finish by coming in seventh place since joining the competition in 2022.

But in a recent social media post, the club bid farewell to 15 players. Moana Pasifika shared that the players will be leaving the team.

Many of these players have gained international experience, and six have been part of the team since 2022.

The departing Moana Pasifika include the Inisi brothers, Lotu and Fine, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Neria Fomai, and Alamanda Motuga.

One of the most talked-about departures is young star Kyren Taumoefolau, known for his speed and skill. The Tongan-capped All Blacks hopeful is reportedly joining the Chiefs to replace Shaun Stevenson.

Taumoefolau was a key player for Moana Pasifika this season, scoring nine tries and starting more than eight games.

Photo/Moana Pasifika

A list of players leaving includes:

• Sione Havili Talitui

• Danny Toala

• Lotu Inisi

• Fine Inisi

• Michael Curry

• Alamanda Motuga

• Neria Fomai

• Pepesana Patafilo

• Kyren Taumoefolau

• Sama Malolo

• Aisea Halo

• Tomasi Maka

• Irie Papuni

• Pone Fa’amausili

• Connor Seve

Watch Moana Pasifika's historic victory over the Blues below.

On a positive note, most of the starting players and upcoming stars will stay with Moana Pasifika for at least another season. Captain Ardie Savea has signed with the club until 2027, although he may take a break in 2026.

Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has a big task ahead of him as he works to rebuild the team.

Umaga told SportNation‘s Beaver and Guy that many players around the world are interested in joining Moana Pasifika, which aims to represent the Pacific Islands.

But he says the club is small and may struggle to accommodate all the interested players. “We’re still a small team, so I don’t know if we can afford them all.”

Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua, another team in Super Rugby Pacific, have also announced that they will be losing several key players next year.

The Fijian Drua during their last game of the season against the Reds in Brisbane. The Queenslanders won 52-7. Photo/AAP/Darren England/Photosport

They include captain Tevita Ikanivere, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Caleb Muntz, Livai Natave, and Vuate Karawalevu.

Masi, Ravutaumada, and Muntz are reportedly heading to European clubs, possibly to join the French Top 14 teams.

Drua head coach Glen Jackson has stated that he is making plans for these departures and will bring in new players to fill the gaps.

The Drua finished in 11th place ahead of the Highlanders, dropping from seventh in 2024. The Drua ended their 2025 campaign with four wins and 10 losses.

As preparations are made for the upcoming season, this week will also see the tournament's semi-finals, featuring matches between the Crusaders and Blues on Friday and the Chiefs against the Brumbies on Saturday. The Blues are the defending champions of Super Rugby Pacific and will look to continue their success.