Moana Pasifika’s future in the Super Rugby Pacific competition should be known this week.
A New Zealand Rugby (NZR) spokesman said it is being finalised with an announcement expected before or by Friday, following attempts to keep the team going.
NZR had received expressions of interest from bidders who wanted to take over the license.
These include Kanaloa Consortium, a group that includes a number of former All Blacks with Pasifika heritage, after their initial attempt to get a Super Rugby Pacific license in 2020 was not successful.
There was also reports of an American tech company interested to play a role, and a government buy-in plan that involves Samoa and Tonga.
New All Blacks captain Ardie Savea told media at the New Zealand squad annoucement on Monday he is hopeful that something will work out for the team.
The former Moana captain spent this season playing in Japan and watched from overseas as the franchise was placed into liquidation, leaving its future uncertain.
Savea said it had been difficult to watch unfold.
“I’ve been in Japan while everything’s been happening, but I’m just so proud of the boys to be able to turn up each week and obviously even put in a performance in their last game,” he said.
“I don’t know where Moana is, but if there’s a one percent chance I’ll take that. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
The NZR spokesman said things needs to be finalised soon as the other 10 Super Rugby Pacific franchise teams are waiting on that before they start preparing for 2027.
