Moana Pasifika rally behind Miracle Fai’ilagi as captain ahead of Drua showdown

As Moana Pasifika prepare to launch their Super Rugby Pacific season, confidence within the squad is growing - not just in their game plan but in the man leading them.

Miracle Fai’ilagi has stepped into the captaincy role following the departure of All Blacks star Ardie Savea, with players backing the new skipper to guide the team through a highly anticipated Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua.

First five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini says Fai’ilagi’s leadership style has already earned the respect of the squad.

“We’ve got a lot of senior boys and Miracle he’s been unreal and the boys will follow him into anything… he doesn’t say a whole lot, but he’ll lead by his actions so the boys will just follow him and back him,” Pellegrini says.

Fai’ilagi says he has leaned heavily on the team’s leadership group as he settles into the role, drawing support from experienced players both on and off the field.

“Our leadership group has been good, I rely on them sometimes… Patrick Pellegrini is one of the guys that I lean on on the field but we have older guys helping out with off-field stuff so everyone is helping out,” Fai’ilagi says.

First five-eighth, Patrick Pellegrini of Moana Pasifika. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

The 2026 season also brings significant change for Moana Pasifika, with 13 players set to make their Super Rugby debuts.

Among them is 21-year-old Israel Leota, a former Rugby League prospect who has crossed the Tasman after being part of the Brisbane Broncos’ top 30 squad.

Leota has signed a two-year deal with Moana Pasifika and says he is determined to make the most of his first professional rugby opportunity.

From left: Israel Leota and NRL player Selwyn Cobbo. Photo/Instagram

“I just want to have a real good crack at the opportunity that I’ve got here and play as many games as I can, and just keep putting my hand up to get picked,” Leota says.

The young back has been named alongside returning players William Havili and Solomon Alaimalo and says he has settled quickly into the squad.

“It’s been really enjoyable here, the boys have welcomed me in and I’ve just been here soaking up everything, learning from some of the greats,” Leota says.

Pellegrini believes Leota’s rugby league background could add a new dimension to Moana Pasifika’s style of play.

“It just offers another perspective, you see what some of the athletes in the league are doing at the moment so I think it’s just another perspective and it’ll only help us,” Pellegrini says.

Moana Pasifika will open their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the Fijian Drua on Saturday, 14 February at Churchill Park in Fiji, where a passionate home crowd is expected to strongly favour the hosts.

“What we expect is it's going to be a good clash of the Pacific, we know what the Drua are capable of with the massive crowd and their support as well so it’s going to be special,” Fai’ilagi says.

Pellegrini summed it up simply: It’s “Fiji against Tonga and Samoa basically so it’ll be really cool”.

Elsewhere, the Super Rugby Pacific season kicks off with a South Islands derby, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders on Friday night. Kick-off is at 7.05pm (NZT).

The Wellington Hurricanes have a round-one bye, while the Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park. For more information on the competition fixtures and results, click here.

Moana Pasifika 2026 squad: (Yet to debut *)

Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai *, Paula Latu *, Tito Tuipulotu.

Hookers: Mamoru Harada *, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli. Locks Alefosio Aho *, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou *, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage.

Loose forwards: Dominic Ropeti *, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia *.

Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu *, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini. First Five Faletoi Peni *, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini.

Midfielders: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape *, Tevita Latu *.

Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu *, Israel Leota *, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili.