Rejected Rescue Bid: Pacific rugby investors say they had the money to save Moana Pasifika

A Pacific-owned rugby group says it had the funding, the plan, and the people to keep the struggling Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika alive.

But its takeover bid was rejected.

In an exclusive interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, members of Kanaloa Rugby revealed they put forward an offer late last year to buy the struggling Super Rugby franchise.

Kanaloa Rugby is a Pacific-led rugby consortium based in Hawai‘i, established with the aim of creating a professional franchise representing Pacific Island communities on the global stage.

The group includes former international players and administrators of Pacific heritage: ex-All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa, Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, and Benson Stanley, with former Sāmoan women's rugby international Tracy Atiga serving in a leadership role.

Kanaloa’s stated mission is to provide a high-performance pathway for Pacific players while maintaining strong cultural values and a “village ethos” approach to team development and governance.

The consortium has previously explored entry into both Major League Rugby in the United States and Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere, but has not secured a competition licence to date.

Kanaloa's bid for Moana Pasifika was ultimately declined, despite the club now facing the possibility of folding after the 2026 season.

Kanaloa Rugby says it offered a full buyout of Moana Pasifika but was turned away after a lengthy process. Photo/Supplied

“We were happy to put forward everything that they were seeking and we provided everything that they needed, and unfortunately, our acquisition was not accepted,” Tracy Atiga said.

The group says it still does not know why.

“We were told ultimately by Deloitte that there were some things in the past that they just couldn't get past… until we actually know what those issues are, we're not exactly sure why ... our proposal was declined.”

What makes the situation more striking is Kanaloa’s insistence that money was not the problem.

“I know for sure it wasn't a financial issue. It wasn't a structural issue,” Atiga said. “We are an organisation… that's been running rugby and sports business for over 20 years.”

The group says it has been involved in sport and rugby ventures for more than 20 years and had previously bid for a Super Rugby licence.

Moana Pasifika players come together during a match as uncertainty grows over the club’s future beyond 2026. Photo/Moana Pasifika/file

The revelation challenges a long-running narrative that Pacific-led ventures lack the resources to sustain elite teams.

“For the last five years, we've really struggled listening to the fact that our people don't have the money… But in all honesty, the money has been there.”

Instead, Kanaloa believes the breakdown came down to communication and missed chances to work together.

“I just believe it's kind of… communication. There's been a breakdown somewhere between all the parties,” Matt Atiga said. “We'd like to unite together… to help save this club.”

The group is now calling for all sides including Moana Pasifika’s owners and New Zealand Rugby to come back to the table.

“This is… coming back to the table, being in the table, around the board table, all together, talking together, having a talanoa,” Tracy said.

New investor interest is emerging as questions grow over how Moana Pasifika reached the brink despite offers to step in. Photo/Supplied

The stakes, they say, go far beyond one team.

Moana Pasifika was created to give Pacific players a pathway into professional rugby while celebrating culture on a global stage. Losing the team could have lasting effects.

“The biggest risk is the momentum we've built together as a people,” Joe Rokocoko said. “If that disappears, we risk losing faith of our youth… we lose a vital platform for our culture to really shine.”

Kanaloa points to the success of the Fijian Drua, the other Pacific-run franchise, as proof that a different model can work.

“We've got one that worked, one that didn't… That's the decision they need to make now.”

Despite being turned down, the group insists it is still ready to step in.

Watch Debbie Sorensen's full interview on PMN Tonga below.

“Absolutely… we remain committed to the future of not only Moana Pasifika, but Pacific rugby,” Sam Tuitupou said.

Moana Pasifika chief executive Debbie Sorensen has signalled the club is still fighting to survive and is open to new investment.

Speaking earlier this week to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Sorensen said, “Don’t give up yet, that there will be a place for Moana… it can,” while confirming the decision to go public about the club’s financial struggles was aimed at attracting fresh backers.

She said the move was already generating interest from potential investors.

However, Sorensen also indicated that no direct approach had been made to the club by some parties, saying “no one has spoken to us directly”.

This highlights a possible disconnect between groups looking to get involved and the franchise itself.

Watch Kanaloa Rugby's full interview on Pacific Mornings below.

Sorensen added that the financial challenge remains significant, with the cost of running a Super Rugby team sitting at around NZ$10 million to NZ12 million per year.

Kanaloa has reached out again to key decision-makers and is waiting for talks.

Their message is simple: the solution may already be in the Pacific.

“We're ready to sit down, work collaboratively with everyone and help shape a sustainable and hopefully a successful future,” Ben Atiga said.

For now, the future of Moana Pasifika remains uncertain. But as new interest emerges, the fight to keep a Pacific team in Super Rugby is far from over.