Moana Pasifika announce departures of a dozen ...
Moana Pasifika have revealed the extent of the roster turnover they'll be working with ahead of the 2026 season, with 15 players confirmed to be leaving the club.
www.rugbypass.comHere are the latest updates I can share.
- Moana Pasifika announced that they will disband at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season due to ongoing financial viability challenges. This was reported by multiple outlets in mid-April 2026, with official statements from the club and New Zealand Rugby confirming the decision and the plan to finish the current season before winding down .
- The club was formed in 2022 to promote Pacific talent, and the decision marks a difficult but decisive step after years of trying to sustain the franchise amid sponsorship and funding constraints. NZR and Moana Pasifika emphasized support for players and communities and a commitment to a smooth transition as they conclude operations .
- In the 2026 season, Moana Pasifika were positioned near the bottom of the ladder, and the announcement followed discussions about forward-looking, financially viable plans for the team beyond 2026. The club has signaled a desire to preserve and celebrate its legacy while guiding affected players and staff through the transition .
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official statements from Moana Pasifika’s site or NZR, or summarize the implications for Pacific rugby pathways and potential successor arrangements.