There will be no Moana Pasifika in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific competition, the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirms.
Despite attempts to keep the franchise in the competition, following its liquidation and the withdrawal of funders Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), the tough decision has been made.
In a statement, NZR said it will not be approving the transfer of Moana Pasifika’s licence to participate in Super Rugby Pacific to any new party.
It said none of the bidders “were able to satisfy both the capital and business plan requirements necessary to secure the licence”.
This means that the competition will move to a 10-team format in 2027.
NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid said the decision has been made in the best interests of the competition, and to provide certainty and stability to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
“We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027,” he said.
But NZR said it will keep the door open for a team that can be based in the Pacific Islands “and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future”.
“We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements,” Kinraid said.
“We also acknowledge the engagement of Minister Winston Peters and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the recognition of the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.
“This has been a difficult time for the Moana Pasifika players, management and fans, and the communities that supported them. A lot of hard work has gone into looking at all possibilities for next season. Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met.”
NZR said conditions for acquiring the licence were:
- 1. Long-term business plan: A credible business plan demonstrating the capacity to generate commercial revenue to operate on a sustainable basis over the long term.
- 2. Committed and viable capital: Evidence of sufficient committed capital to meet establishment costs, support operations in the short-term, and provide resilience against financial risks.
Kinraid said NZR’s assessment was that, for a party to run a competitive team under the Moana Pasifika licence, a competitive and sustainable team needs commercial revenue of more than NZ$10 million, in addition to broadcast revenue and at least NZ$15 million in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves.”
Kinraid added NZR also received interest in potential future expansion opportunities beyond 2027, which was an encouraging sign for the future of the competition.
NZR said it will keep the door open for a team that can be based in the Pacific Islands.
Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
“The licence available through this process was specifically for a team representing Moana Pasifika as a pathway for Tonga and Samoa from 2027,” he said.
“This was not a process to establish a new team or enter a new market.
“We are aware of credible interest in future participation and expansion in Super Rugby Pacific, including opportunities in new markets and the Pacific. We see that as a positive sign for current outlook and the long-term strength and attractiveness of the competition.
“Any future expansion of Super Rugby Pacific would need to be considered in partnership with Rugby Australia, Super Rugby Pacific and as part of a broader competition strategy.”
Super Rugby Pacific is set to confirm the 2027 competition format in the coming weeks.
Reactions
Kanaloa Consortium chief executive Tracy Atiga said they are disapointed they have not been considered to take over the Moana Pasifika licence.
She said the team will go through the NZR statement on their decision not to transfer the licence to any of the bidders and will make their response.
Kanaloa Consortium, with a number of former All Blacks with Pasifika heritage in the group, had tried to buy the Moana Pasifika license in October 2025, after having failed to get their bid for a Super Rugby Pacific license in 2021.
The consortium had also secured the support of the island rugby unions of Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue.
Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) president Lord Fakafanua, who is also the country’s prime minister, said it is a sad day to see Moana Pasifika dying out after so much promise.
He said the TRU will also respond fully after discussing the issue.
