Moana Pasifika’s Super future confirmed by NZ Rugby

Moana Pasifika will not feature in next year's Super Rugby Pacific competition after New Zealand Rugby (NZR) definitively rejected all proposals aimed at rescuing the financially distressed franchise. NZR cited that current bids to continue the club were not viable in the long term, ruling out the transfer of Moana Pasifika's license to any new entity.

The Samoan and Tongan governments had reportedly submitted a joint bid to save the team, while the Kanaloa Consortium, comprising former All Blacks of Pasifika heritage, also expressed interest. However, none of the interested parties met the stringent financial and business plan requirements necessary to secure the license.

Moana Pasifika was placed into liquidation in May when its owners, the Pasifika Medical Association, announced they could no longer provide funding beyond the 2026 season. Liquidators revealed the club's debts amounted to $8.2 million.

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We want to be clear: the door remains open beyond 2027. We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future. We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements.

NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid stated that securing the license would require commercial revenue exceeding $A8 million annually, in addition to broadcast revenue, and at least $A12 million in committed capital to support the business plan and maintain cash reserves. "We want to be clear: the door remains open beyond 2027. We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future," Kinraid said, emphasizing NZR's willingness to engage with parties who can meet the financial demands.

Super Rugby Pacific will now operate with 10 teams: four from Australia, four from New Zealand, and one from Fiji. Moana Pasifika, which debuted in 2022, represented Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands but primarily played its games in Auckland, struggling to attract consistent commercial or public interest.

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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.