Moana Pasifika Head Coach Tana Umaga sings and dances along to a cultural song after the Super Rugby Pacific – Round 15 match between Moana Pasifika v Reds held at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – New Zealand – on Saturday 23 May 2026.
Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Moana Pasifika’s head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says they are still hopeful the team continue on in Super Rugby Pacific in 2027.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following Saturday’s clash against the Reds in North Harbour, Umaga said there have been discussions last week between the Moana Pasifika management and team.
“Even this week there was meeting around what the future looks like. There’s some certainty but not a lot.
“We always stay hopeful. Who would have thought I would get a job after this but I got one. I had actually given up hope on that.
“So, if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone.”
RNZ Pacific has been told that there are at least two organisations which had shown interest in securing the licence from Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), after it announced last month the club would be disbanded.
One of the bidders is Kanaloa Consortium, which are based in Hawaii and Auckland.
The consortium is backed by a number of Pasifika heritage former All Blacks players that includes Joe Rokocoko, Ben Atiga, John Afoa, Anthony Tuitavake and Jerome Kaino.
Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga confirmed last week they have sent in their proposal, as per requirements of New Zealand Rugby, and are awaiting an update.
New Zealand Rugby has remained tight-lipped on who the bidders are but said they had opened to process to all bidders.
RNZ Pacific has requeseted NZ Rugby for an update on what the process now includes and when an announcement is expected on Moana Pasifika’s future.
