“Maybe there’s a billionaire out there who will do something, who wants a franchise.” – Former All Black and Manu Samoa player Lima Sopoaga
It’s official, the Moana Pasifika rugby team as we know it will play its last game of Super Rugby Pacific on May 30th against the Brumbies in Canberra.
This comes after team owners Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) confirmed speculation today that the team would be disbanding at the end of this Super Rugby season.
In a statement, PMA Chair DR Kiki Maoate and CEO Debbie Sorensen said, “It is with a heavy heart that we write to share some important news regarding Moana Pasifika.
“After five incredible years of competing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition and engaging with our Pacific community in New Zealand and abroad, Moana Pasifika has made the extremely difficult decision to disband our Super Rugby Pacific franchise following the conclusion of the 2026 season.”
Yesterday rumours were rife that an announcement was imminent with former All Black and Samoa international Lima Sopoaga taking to instagram with the following: “In 2027, I’m hearing they will cease to exist, there will be no Moana team in the Super Rugby competition.”
He went on to say that if the rumours were true “SANZAR, NZ Rugby, World Rugby every governing body that can do something to save this team needs to do something.
“Maybe there’s a billionaire out there who will do something, who wants a franchise.”
Sopoaga says Moana Pasifika still has a role to play, “It’s not just a professional team, it’s a pathway for boys from the Pacific, from Samoa, from Tonga, from Fiji and beyond.”
Meanwhile, the team owners say the decision to disband was not made lightly.
“Despite the incredible dedication of our players, staff, and supporters, and the strong partnerships we have built over the years, the current financial and strategic realities mean that continuing the franchise at this level is no longer viable.
“We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, collaboration, and belief in the Moana Pasifika movement over the years.
We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your support, collaboration, and
belief in the Moana Pasifika movement over the years. Your partnership has been central to
everything we have achieved – from our historic matches on the field to our community
initiatives off it.”
PMA say their immediate focus is ensuring a smooth transition and support for all affected players and staff.
