All Blacks Legend Michael Jones Warns Rugby Union is Losing ‘Hearts and Minds’ to Rugby League

Michael Jones warns rugby union faces a crisis as Moana Pasifika prepares to disband and fans flock to the NRL, citing "archaic" rules and league’s innovation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 7:23 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Disbanding of Moana Pasifika The Auckland based Moana Pasifika team, established in 2022 to provide a pathway for players of Samoan, Tongan, and Cook Islands descent, has officially confirmed it will fold following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Despite its mission to bolster Pacific involvement, the franchise has struggled to secure the necessary financial backing and consistent viewership required to sustain a professional outfit. This development marks a significant setback for the sport's expansion efforts in the region and serves as a catalyst for broader concerns regarding the health of the 15 man code.

The Rise of the ‘Game of the People’ While rugby union faces structural challenges, the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League (NRL) are experiencing a surge in popularity. Michael Jones, a 1987 World Cup winner, described rugby league as "the game of the people right now," noting that the Warriors consistently sell out the 25,000 seat Mt Smart Stadium regardless of their performance on the ladder. Jones credited league administrators for their "positivity, innovation, and creativity," contrasting this with a rugby union establishment he feels has its "head in the clouds."

Transformative Analysis: Eligibility Rules and the Pacific Divide A core element of the codes' diverging fortunes lies in their respective international eligibility frameworks. Rugby union’s "archaic" rules which require a three year stand down period for players wishing to switch national allegiances have long marginalized Pacific nations like Samoa and Tonga. In contrast, rugby league allows players to move between tier one and tier two nations more fluidly, often year on year. This flexibility has turned international league matches featuring Pacific teams into massive cultural events in South Auckland, while union struggles to maintain the same level of tribalism outside of the All Blacks brand.

A Shifting Cultural Landscape in New Zealand The dominance of the All Blacks aura, once considered invincible, is reportedly fading among the 275,000 people of Pacific origin living in Auckland. Broadcaster Ken Laban pointed out that the shift is even visible in national television programming; when Warriors matches and Super Rugby games overlap, the NRL is often prioritized on primary sports channels. The apathy toward union is not limited to Auckland; upcoming War...