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Moana Pasifika Owners Set to Walk Away From Club, NZ Media Reports
The ownership group will meet 2026 obligations, but the club says it will need a new backer to stay in Super Rugby Pacific.
- On Tuesday, Moana Pasifika owners, the Pasifika Medical Association , informed players and staff the franchise will cease operations after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season due to lack of funding.
- PMA suffered a financial blow last year after losing a $44m government contract, while the club struggled to secure commercial sponsors and faced insurmountable logistical costs without a permanent Pacific Islands base.
- On-Field difficulties compounded these issues; the team sits at the bottom of the 11-team competition with a 1-7 record, while head coach Tana Umaga departs at season's end to join the All Blacks staff.
- Approximately 60 players and staff now face an uncertain future as the club seeks a new owner; without a buyer, their final match could occur on May 30 in Canberra against the Brumbies.
- The club's departure would leave Super Rugby Pacific as a 10-team competition from 2027, ending the 2021 project founded by Savae La'auli Sir Michael Jones and Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams to create a professional Pacific talent pathway.
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Moana Pasifika to be dumped from Super Rugby
Ardie Savea is contracted to return to Moana Pasifika in 2027. File photo: Getty Images Moana Pasifika have informed players and staff their owners will cut the struggling Super Rugby Pacific club adrift after the 2026 season, media is reporting.
·Otago, New Zealand
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Moana Pasifika owners set to walk away from club, NZ media reports
April 14 - Moana Pasifika have informed players and staff their owners will cut the struggling Super Rugby Pacific club adrift after the 2026 season, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 25%
C 63%
12%
Factuality
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