Moana Pasifika

Moana Pasifika was a professional rugby union team based in New Zealand. The team, which was a participant in the Super Rugby Pacific competition between 2022 and 2026, was made up of players from various Pacific Island nations as well as New Zealand- or Australian-born players of Pasifika heritage. Many of its players represented Tonga and Samoa at the international level, and also included high-profile All Blacks players, such as captain Ardie Savea. The team was originally created for a one-off match against the Māori All Blacks in December 2020, with the future intention of trying to join the Super Rugby competition. Moana Pasifika were granted a conditional licence and subsequently an unconditional licence in April and July 2021 respectively, to join the Super Rugby competition. In April 2026, it was announced that the team would be disbanding at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season due to financial challenges. In late June 2026, NZ Rugby confirmed the dissolution of Moana Pasifika following a failed joint bid by the Samoan and Tongan governments to save the rugby franchise.