There is still hope that Moana Pasifika, or a similar Pacific Island-based rugby franchise, will be playing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition from 2028 and beyond.
This follows Wednesday’s announcement by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) that it haddecided against awarding Moana Pasifika’s current licence to an outside party, and ending hopes the franchise would still be able to compete next season.
Moana Pasifika wrapped up its operation following their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific commitments last month, with the club also now in liquidation, and owing just over $8 million in debt.
NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid told media in Wellington the decision was difficult given the significance of the team to Pacific rugby. However, he said it became straightforward once it was clear the bids could not meet the long-term financial requirements.
Kinraid said NZR was presented with four serious bids following Moana’s collapse, but the clock was against them.
“It really came down to a key criteria of committed capital and a timeframe to establish that capital to stand up a team for next year,” he said.
Despite the decision to reject the rescue proposals, Kinraid stressed NZR had not closed the door on a future Pasifika franchise.
“We remain completely open to potential or future bids related to a Pasifika team going forward beyond 2027,” he said.
“We had every intention to try and stand this team up for the long term. In the end, it’s up to the parties with the bid to come up with credible and sustainable capital for a bid. We’ve not seen that capital.”
NZR has committed to financially supporting the players and staff through to the end of July, covering their contracts.
Kanaloa Consortium, one of the bidders, told RNZ Pacific although they were disappointed initially, they believe the decision is the right one moving forward.
Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga said the “open door” left by NZR augurs well for them and their partners, who believe the timeframe was against them.
“Although we are disappointed for our Moana Pasifika aiga and the impact that this situation has had on the community; we are fully supportive of NZRs decision not to transfer the licence to any new party for the 2027 season,” she said.
“We support the more inclusive and sustainable approach to commence operations from 2028 in which Kanaloa Consortium and its stakeholders remain fully committed and invested.
“This approach offers strong Pasifika leadership at the table and provides direct negotiation capability for our wider Pacific Island rugby community.”
Kanaloa worked with island unions – Samoa, Tonga, Niue and the Cook Islands – on its bid, with discussions also held with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
RNZ Pacific understands the bid had the financial backing of investors, who were prepared to underwrite funding close to $100 million.
Atiga said they will contimue the process they had started and believe they would be in a better position to confirm details within the next 12 months.
Following the announcement by NZR on Wednesday, Peters said he was disappointed for Pacific rugby and Moana Pasifika families and fans.
“We are very disappointed for Pacific rugby and for the many fans who have supported Moana Pasifika that New Zealand Rugby has chosen to announce today that the team will not be participating in the 2027 Super Rugby competition,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“Today’s announcement will be felt strongly by players, their families and supporters. It will also be disappointing to many people in the Pacific who have got in behind the team.
“Less than a month ago, we were approached by a number of parties and rugby lovers seeking our support to put Moana Pasifika on a financially sustainable footing.
He said it would have been helpful if Moana Pasifika had come to the New Zealand government earlier about their financial situation.
“Achieving a result in three weeks to facilitate Moana Pasifika being part of the 2027 season was always going to be a bridge too far. We had hoped NZ Rugby would grant us more time, but they decided they had to move ahead announcing today that the team will not be part of Super Rugby next year.”
Tonga Rugby Union chief executive officer Aisea Aholelei said without Moana Pasifika, Samoa and Tonga rugby would suffer, but added there is still hope if things can still be done to ensure a team is in place from 2028.
“It is disappointing more so for our players,” he said. “We rely on our players playing in top competitions to prepare themselves mentally and physical for international duty.”
“Probably, the bright side is that there is still an opportunity for a team to play in 2028 and beyond.
“However, having the majority of our Moana Pasifika players not playing next year certainly makes our work and planning for Rugby World Cup just a bit tougher.”
A number of Moana Pasifika players have already signed contracts overseas, while others are also committed to local clubs here in New Zealand for the National Provincial Championship.
