Moana Pasifika withdrawn from Super Rugby Pacific 2027

The Moana Pasifika rugby franchise will not compete in the Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2027, its governing body confirmed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, following the collapse of a last-ditch rescue effort. The decision marks the end of the Auckland-based team, which was established in 2020 to provide a top-level pathway for players of Pacific heritage.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced that attempts by the governments of New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga to broker a financial lifeline for the franchise had failed. The team's owners, the Pasifika Medical Association, had earlier announced their withdrawal from the venture and placed it into liquidation. NZR's chief financial officer, Chris Kinraid, stated that the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met. He estimated a viable backer would need to generate commercial revenue exceeding NZ$10 million (US$5.7 million) annually, in addition to broadcast income.

The franchise faced significant structural challenges from its inception. It operated under strict rules that prevented recruiting players from other Super Rugby teams and received only a fraction of the television revenue allocated...