Moana Pasifika to Disband: "No Longer Viable" Beyond 2026 Season

Moana Pasifika has announced its "heartbreaking" decision to shut down following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, citing financial and operational non-viability.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 5:13 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A "Heartbreaking" Conclusion

The decision marks the end of a five-year journey for the franchise, which was founded in 2021 by rugby legends Savae La'auli Sir Michael Jones and Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams. The club’s primary mission was to provide a professional pathway for Pacific Island players while remaining based in New Zealand.

Chair Dr. Kiki Maoate described the decision as "one of the hardest" ever made, citing several critical factors:

Financial Sustainability: Struggling to secure long-term commercial backing.

Operational Pressures: The high cost of maintaining a franchise at the Super Rugby level.

Funding Cuts: A total cessation of funding from World Rugby earlier this year.