Moana Pasifika strengthens squad for Super Rugby season

Pre-season training and team-building activities are underway for Moana Pasifika ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby season.

Flyhalf William Havili, who has been with the team since its inception in 2022, looks forward to a more successful season.

“Last year, we had a few more wins, but we weren’t happy with our season," Havili says. "We knew we could have pushed further at the time of the playoffs.

“Building what we had last year and capitalising on those closer games, hopefully with all the new talent we’ve got this year and also from the previous years with the experience we have now, hopefully, we can push for better things.”

This year, Moana Pasifika has added 14 new players to their North Harbour-based squad, including All Blacks Vice-Captain Ardie Savea and former Manu Samoa star and head coach Seilala Mapusua, who has joined the coaching staff.

Alando Soakai steps into Super Rugby after winning the 2024 NPC Championship with the Wellington Lions and is eager to take on the role of defensive skills coach.

“NPC’s probably seen as semi-pro, and at this level, now you’re competing with world-class players playing at Super.

“Going off in terms of players and coaches compared from last year into now, we’ve gone real early into our footy.

"I really feel the environment and culture is there, so how do we get our high performance up and results on the field.”

Pre-season training is underway at Moana Pasifika HQ. Photo/Moana Pasifika.

Soakai has been enjoying the coaching environment led by Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.

“One thing I’ve really enjoyed with Tana is he’s actually really planned.

"This week, it’s about our habits and our process, which is something we can stay dialled into.

“Tana has done a really good job around the players he’ll select.

"We’ve got a few key experienced players there that drive the team really well around the pitch.

“I feel like we’ll be very competitive this year," Soakai says.