Moana Pasifika out of Super Rugby Pacific from 2027

Moana Pasifika has been excluded from the Super Rugby Pacific competition starting in 2027, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced. This decision follows the franchise's liquidation and the withdrawal of its funders, despite efforts to keep it in the league.

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We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027.

NZR stated that none of the potential bidders for the license could meet the necessary capital and business plan requirements. Consequently, the competition will revert to a 10-team structure in 2027. NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid emphasized that the decision prioritizes the competition's stability and certainty for stakeholders.

While the door is closed for Moana Pasifika in its current form, NZR expressed openness to future opportunities for a Pacific Island-based team, provided a sustainable long-term solution can be established. Kinraid noted that a viable team would require over NZ$10 million in commercial revenue and at least NZ$15 million in committed capital.

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We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements.

The exclusion marks a difficult period for the players, management, and supporters of Moana Pasifika. NZR acknowledged the engagement of Minister Winston Peters and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in recognizing rugby's role in the Pacific region. The focus now shifts to finding a financially sound model for future Pacific representation in the competition.

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This has been a difficult time for the Moana Pasifika players, management and fans, and the communities that supported them. A lot of hard work has gone into looking at all possibilities for next season. Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met.