Moana Pasifika will disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, the club has confirmed, with NZ Rugby and World Rugby blamed.
The decision comes amid reports of crippling financial pressure, with Moana Pasifika Chair, Dr Kiki Maoate, saying the board made the hard decision to dissolve the franchise at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Moana Pasifika’s disbandment confirmed
“This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational, and strategic realities facing the franchise as well as professional rugby in New Zealand,” a statement from the franchise read.
“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition.”
Maoate added: “This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years.
“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.
“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”
Financial struggles
Moana become the latest Super Rugby Pacific club to disband following the demise of the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 and the exit of the South African teams in 2021, along with the Sunwolves and Jaguares.
Reports on Tuesday stated that the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), which owns the Super Rugby side, has compromised finances, and it would be taking an enormous risk to continue its ownership.
The New Zealand Herald reported that the club received about 2 million per year from NZR (a nominal share of broadcast rights), about $1.9m from World Rugby, and other loans and grants from government entities.
However, Moana has exhausted its government money, World Rugby is no longer contributing, while it is also believed that Sky – which pays an estimated $300,000 a year to have front-of-jersey naming rights – is not looking to extend its sponsorship beyond 2026.
“We acknowledge our loyal fans for standing by us through the highs and lows – your support has meant everything to us, especially our players. We ask that you stand by your team today,” Dr Maoate said.
“Our story has been one of resilience – not just as a franchise, but as Pacific people. While this will be devastating news to process, we continue to look ahead and navigate these next steps together, just as our people always have.”
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Ex-All Black reacts to Moana’s demise
Former All Blacks midfield and former Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger reacted to the news of the club’s demise, stating that it was “devastating”.
Speaking to Stuff.co.nz, Mauger hopes what Moana Pasifika had achieved during its short five-year stint in Super Rugby Pacific could still inspire everyone who took an interest in the club.
“I go back to the Ardie Savea story, and if you look at the way he played last year,” Mauger said.
“And the way he spoke about what Moana Pasifika had done for him.
“Not only was Ardie inspiring young Pacific Island people, in general, right around the world; the programme and the purpose of Moana Pasifika had inspired him to take his game to the next level. He was just unbelievable.”
Mayor blames NZ Rugby and World Rugby
Ken Laban, New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor and renowned rugby commentator, said Moana’s demise is a tragedy for the game and has put the blame squarely on the shoulders of World Rugby and NZ Rugby.
“They need to stop saying that they’re about growing the game because they’re not. They’ve just killed part of it,” Laban told RNZ Sport and added that the powers that be should be held accountable.
“I cannot for the life of me follow the logic of how everybody says they’re committed to the growth of the game and expanding the game’s global footprint, how they think they can achieve that by taking teams away from Super Rugby. It’s an absolute setback for the game and for the people involved.
“If New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby are as committed as they say they are to Pasifika rugby, they would have prevented this. They have the financial influence and the financial power to be able to keep the team alive for three or four years, give them the necessary support, and don’t just expect that the Pasifika community are capable of doing that because that’s why they find themselves in the position they are in now.
“It’s a position that everybody knew they were in when they conceived this concept five years ago. So absolutely those people should be responsible. They say that they’re dedicated to the growth of the game, but their walk doesn’t match the talk, does it?”