'Pasifika Rugby can't be ignored': Cook Islands and Tonga make case for Kanaloa takeover

The leaders of Tonga and Cook Islands rugby have broken their silence on Kanaloa Rugby's bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing that the future of Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices.

With Moana Pasifika set to leave Super Rugby Pacific after the 2026 season because of financial pressures, support for the Kanaloa consortium's proposed takeover continues to grow across the region.

Kanaloa is one of a number of groups understood to be interested in taking over the licence, with New Zealand Rugby expected to assess competing proposals before making a decision on the club's future.

PMN's Pacific Mornings first revealed last week that the rugby unions of Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue had formally backed Kanaloa's bid, with chief executive Tracy Atiga confirming the support during an interview on the programme.

While the Pacific unions do not decide who ultimately takes over Moana Pasifika's licence, their backing carries significance because the franchise was created to represent Pacific communities and provide professional pathways for players across the region.

The endorsements also increase pressure on New Zealand Rugby, which last week declined to say whether it recognised the support Kanaloa has received from Pacific unions.

New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk faces growing pressure as Pacific rugby unions rally behind Kanaloa's proposal to take over Moana Pasifika following the club's planned exit from Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

NZ Rugby told PMN News that any bidder would need to present a "long-term, sustainable business plan" as it considers several options for Moana Pasifika's future beyond 2026.

Tonga Rugby Union chief executive Aisea Aholelei said the issue goes beyond the future of a single team.

"Pasifika Rugby cannot be ignored," Aholelei told Tuilagi William Leolahi on PMN's Pacific Huddle on Friday.

Listen to Aisea Aholelei's full interview below.

"I mean, the stats there, the numbers are there, the visuals are there. Everywhere you look in professional rugby, international rugby, everywhere around the world, Pasifika is represented by our players."

Aholelei said having a professional team based closer to home would strengthen Pacific national teams and give unions greater opportunities to monitor and develop players.

"It is very, very important that they are here at home playing in a professional setup."

He said professional rugby was about more than developing players.

"You're leaving the development side of it and everybody else behind, especially in the local development and the rugby itself on island," Aholelei said.

"But if we all go hand in hand with the players, the coaches and management, the setup and working in a professional environment, it'll be fantastic."

Kanaloa chief executive Tracy Atiga says the consortium is committed to securing a sustainable future for Moana Pasifika, with support now confirmed from the rugby unions of Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue. Photo/PMN Composite

Aholelei also revealed on Friday that the Tonga Rugby had not been approached by New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters following recent comments suggesting positive developments could be on the horizon for Moana Pasifika.

"We haven't heard anything from a union perspective," Aholelei said. "But it sounds positive. Any support that helps move Moana Pasifika forward would be welcomed."

New Zealand is urgently exploring ways to secure Moana Pasifika’s future with Peters telling Pacific leaders in Apia that officials have been directed to work with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders on a financially sustainable plan.

Peters, who was in Sāmoa over the weekend, said it would be a major loss for the Pacific if Moana Pasifika were to disappear from Super Rugby, and he reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for keeping the franchise alive.

Cook Islands Rugby Union president Simiona Teiotu said Kanaloa earned the union's support by approaching them directly with plans for grassroots rugby and player development.

"They are the ones who initially reached out to us," Teiotu told Tuilagi. "They gave us a proposal in terms of grassroots rugby."

Listen to Simiona Teiotu's full interview below.

While backing Kanaloa, Teiotu acknowledged the long-standing support his union has received from World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby, particularly in coaching, development and community programmes.

But he said Pacific rugby nations continue to face challenges including population decline as young people move overseas for work and opportunities.

"A lot of our players have left the country," he said.

Despite those challenges, Teiotu said grassroots rugby remains strong and continues to play an important role in keeping young people active and connected to their communities.

Both leaders pointed to the wider value of professional rugby pathways for Pacific nations, saying they help create opportunities not only for players but also coaches, administrators, referees and support staff.

Their comments add further momentum to Kanaloa's campaign as New Zealand Rugby considers the future of professional Pacific rugby beyond 2026.

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi led his side for the last time in Super Ruby Pacific against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday. Moana won 21-19. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs/file

Aholelei says the message to rugby's decision-makers is straightforward: "Kanaloa is stepping up to the plate to help Pasifika Rugby and it must be supported."

Any change in ownership would still require approval from New Zealand Rugby and other key rugby stakeholders, with no timeline yet announced for a final decision.

As New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals for Moana Pasifika's future, the message from Tonga and the Cook Islands is clear: Pacific nations want a greater voice in shaping the professional game and the pathways that support the next generation of players.