Ardie Savea played a leading role in Moana Pasifika’s historic 2025 Super Rugby campaign.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea has told Japan Rugby media he is hopeful that the franchise will still be around next season.
The club has wrapped up its operation, going into liquidation two weeks ago, after owners Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) revealed they do not have funds to continue.
Savea, who helped Japanese club Kobe Steelers win the Japan Rugby League One championship by defeating the Kubota Spears 22-13 in the final at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Sunday, said Moana Pasifika was still in his thoughts as uncertainty continued to surround the Super Rugby franchise’s future.
The All Blacks star started for Kobe in the final, under coach and new All Black mentor David Rennie.
“I’ve still got faith; if there’s 1 percent chance of survival, that’s all we need,” Savea told RugbyJP.com.
“I’m hoping and praying there’s a Moana next year. I’m hoping and praying the boys are OK.
“As you can see for them to turn up every Saturday under these circumstances the last few weeks, it’s a testament to the characters who are in that team. I’m wishing everyone the best and hopefully it’ll work out.”
Savea played a leading role in Moana Pasifika’s historic 2025 Super Rugby campaign, where the side defeated local sides, the Blues, Crusaders and the Highlanders, before rejoining Kobe.
A number of interested bidders have been in talks with New Zealand Rugby to take over the club, including a move to have Samoa and Tonga become part of the franchise.
Moana Pasifika after their loss to the Reds – 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: Photosport
Tonga, Samoa backing
Meanwhile, Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) chief executive Aisea Aholelei and Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi have both thrown their support behind moves to keep Moana Pasifika as part of the professional pathway for Samoan and Tongan rugby players.
Aholelei told RNZ Pacific on Friday, the franchise offers an important opportunity to close the gap between club and international representation for Samoan and Tongan players who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play professional rugby.
Aholelei said TRU has been a positive recipient of Moana Pasifika’s presence in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, with players coming out of the club into the national team.
He confirmed there are ongoing discussions between Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia on rugby development plans, with the future of Moana Pasifika closely followed by the two island unions.
“There are ongoing talks happening and we continue to hope that something is worked out,” he said.
“We must have Moana Pasifika or a similar pathway that will continue to offer our players the chance to play professional rugby, as a step up from playing club rugby, and before getting into international rugby. That is very important.”
He said Tonga is hopeful that both Australian and New Zealand governments can step in to help.
Pisi, a former Manu Samoa international himself, told RNZ Pacific on Thursday Moana Pasifika has been a step up for players.
“That has been important for us and Tonga and we would like to see that continuing,” he said.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is the TRU president, reportedly met New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmid in Apia earlier last week to discuss about Moana Pasifika.
