Moana Pasifika Faces Challenges as World Rugby Chair Responds to Survival Hopes and Super Rugby Boss Comments on Future Outlook

World Rugby chair Brett Robinson has defended the organisation’s investment in the Pacific while stating it is not World Rugby’s responsibility to rescue the struggling Moana Pasifika franchise, which faces an uncertain future beyond the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Moana Pasifika, the Super Rugby Pacific team designed as a pathway for Tongan, Cook Islands and Samoan talent, is at long odds to return next year after its ownership declared it unviable to continue investment beyond this season. The club has confirmed it will disband at the end of the 2026 season amid crippling financial pressure, with chair Dr Kiki Maoate stating the board made the hard decision to dissolve the franchise.

The team requires upwards of $8 million per season to remain viable, and while new investment is being sought, the window to save the franchise is closing rapidly. Moana Pasifika were introduced to Super Rugby Pacific in 2022 alongside Fijian Drua, initially funded by World Rugby, but have been unable to establish a permanent presence in their target Pacific nations and have instead operated primarily from Auckland.

Speaking ahead of Super Round in Christchurch, where the 25,000-seat roofed One NZ Stadium will be at capacity for games on Friday and Saturday and expected to be full for Sunday’s final two contests, Robinson emphasized World Rugby’s ongoing commitment to the Pacific region.

I have to say again to my friend [Australian Rugby League Commission chairman] Peter V’landys, with the greatest respect to your game, we are the game of the Pacific.

Brett Robinson

Robinson highlighted World Rugby’s continued investment across all levels of the men’s and women’s game in the islands as evidence of the organisation’s dedication to Pacific rugby, arguing that rugby’s competitive advantage lies in its status as a truly global, international game.

Concerns have been raised that the potential demise of Moana Pasifika could benefit rugby league, particularly as the NRL continues to grow in popularity in the region. The Wellington-based Warriors have sold out their Saturday NRL clash with the Dolphins, and there is strong support for a second New Zealand NRL team based in the South Island to rival them.

Pasifika coach and All Blacks great Tana Umaga, along with Samoan and New Zealand rugby icon Michael Jones, have expressed fears that rugby league will gain ground if Moana Pasifika folds, noting the NRL’s increasing appeal among Pacific communities.

Despite the challenges facing Moana Pasifika, Robinson maintained that World Rugby must stay true to its competitive edge as a global sport, countering suggestions that the organisation should do more to save the franchise.