Moana Pasifika bow out with pride after heroic emotional farewell win

Moana Pasifika signed off from Super Rugby Pacific 2026 with heads held high after upsetting the ACT Brumbies 21-19 in an emotional farewell match in Canberra on Saturday.

Just weeks after owners Pasifika Medical Association announced the franchise would not return in 2027 because of financial challenges, Moana delivered one final statement on the field.

The Miracle Faiilagi-led side produced a spirited performance built on pride, passion, and belief.

The victory was only the team's second of the season but one that meant far more than competition points.

Faiilagi said it was a final chance to represent the jersey, their families, and Pacific communities across the region.

Flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini led the way with two first-half tries as Moana fought back from an early 14-0 deficit before Melani Matavao's late score sealed a memorable result.

The win was enough to deny the Brumbies a bonus point and sent Moana out on a high despite finishing at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder on nine competition points.

Pellegrini said the team used the emotion surrounding the occasion as motivation.

For the people, for the Pacific: Watch as Moana Pasifika celebrate with song after signing off in style in Canberra below.

"To be honest, we spoke about it and we said to use it," he told Stan Sport after the match. "One of our leaders said, let's be emotional today, let's use that. Last time we put the jersey on so that got us through to the 80 minutes."

Reflecting on a difficult season, Pellegrini praised the players and staff for staying together through challenging circumstances.

"It's been a tough year especially in the last few months. Some tough years for the boys but we've stuck together and really proud of everyone.

"All the staff, everyone behind the scenes, seeing it out to the end. Really happy with the boys and the team and the whole organisation."

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi presents a gift to Brumbies' winger Andy Muirhead: Faiilagi led his side to an emotional farewell match with the team playing for their communities, families, and Pacific supporters. Photo/Facebook/Moana Pasifika

Faiilagi struggled to put the moment into words after leading the side for what could be its final match in Super Rugby.

"Pretty emotional week," he told Stan Sport. "Sorry, just out of words, you know, explaining. Proud. I know it's a privilege to lead these boys."

Faiilagi said the team never lost sight of who they were playing for.

Watch Patrick Pellegrini reflect on an emotional farewell after scoring two tries in Moana Pasifika's final Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Brumbies in Canberra below.

"This win meant a lot to us," Faiilagi said. "This win is for our people, you know, from the start. Everyone, our family and friends. And for us as well, you know, with all the stuff going on behind."

The loose forward also paid tribute to coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga for guiding the side through one of the most difficult periods in the club's short history.

"Despite the results and everything that's happening behind the scenes, he's stood by us and just listened to us. Special man and we wish him all the best for what's next for him."

The Brumbies, who had already secured a finals place, admitted Moana deserved the victory.

Moana Pasifika launch another attacking raid against the Brumbies during their emotional 21-19 farewell victory in Canberra. Photo/Facebook/Super Rugby Pacific

Wallabies and Brumbies fullback Tom Wright said his side failed to match the visitors' intensity.

"We knew that they had a point to prove this evening. Plenty of emotion," he said in a post-match interview.

"Super sad to see them leave the competition but they deserved every part of that win and we weren't good enough at all."

Brumbies captain and prop Allan Alaalatoa, who is of Sāmoan heritage, also reflected on what Moana Pasifika has meant for Pacific rugby.

Brumbies' captain Allan Alaalatoa praised Moana Pasifika's contribution to Pacific rugby, saying he hopes the team can continue to provide a pathway for future generations of Pasifika players. Photo/Brumbies Rugby/file

"As a Sāmoan from the outside, you can tell that they're a very passionate group. They play for something that's bigger than themselves."

Alaalatoa said the franchise had become an important pathway for young Pacific players.

"I've got young nieces and nephews and young cousins of Sāmoa who aspire to be professional rugby players, and I guess Moana was their pathway to potentially live their dream as a professional rugby player.

"We hope that this isn't the last of what we see of Moana."

Whether Saturday's win proves to be the end of the story or the start of a new chapter remains unclear.

But for one afternoon in Canberra, Moana Pasifika reminded everyone why the team mattered and why so many across the Pacific are hoping it is not goodbye.

Earlier in round 16, the Crusaders defeated the Hurricanes 47-14 while the Fijian Drua fell to the Queensland Reds 45-24 on Friday night. The Chiefs host the Blues in Hamilton later on Saturday.

The playoffs will see the Blues travel to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders, the Chiefs host the Reds in Hamilton, while the Hurricanes and Brumbies will round off the finals in Wellington next week.

For more details on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.