Latest News About Moana Pasifika

Here’s the latest on Moana Pasifika:

• Moana Pasifika have announced they will disband after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season due to ongoing financial viability concerns. This confirmation came amid reports that the club’s owners will not fund the team beyond 2026, raising questions about Pacific representation in the competition. The club stated its aim to finish the season strongly and to oversee a smooth transition for those affected.[2][3]

• Reports indicate that the ownership group, the Pasifika Medical Association, is stepping back from funding after 2026 unless a new buyer is found, with negotiations and a sales process reportedly underway but no buyer secured as of mid-April 2026. Several senior figures and players, including coach Tana Umaga and standout Ardie Savea, faced uncertainty about their futures if no new owner steps forward.[2]

• NZ Rugby acknowledged the situation and expressed sadness at the challenges but indicated it would support Moana Pasifika through the remainder of the season, while NZR’s response underscored the aim of a respectful and orderly conclusion to the franchise’s run.[3]

• The development follows a broader pattern of Pacific rugby uncertainty, with Moana Pasifika having joined the competition in 2022 and facing structural funding challenges as the organization sought to establish sustainable pathways for Pacific talent.[3][2]

If you’d like, I can pull the most recent statements from Moana Pasifika’s site or NZ Rugby for exact quotes, and summarize the official timelines and any stated contingency plans.