Moana Pasifika

Rugby union team from various Pacific island nations

Rugby team

Moana Pasifika

Union| New Zealand Rugby
Founded| 2020; 4 years ago (2020)
Ground(s)| Mt Smart Stadium
(Capacity: 30,000)
Coach(es)| Tana Umaga
Captain(s)| James Lay
League(s)| Super Rugby Pacific
2024| 11th overall

Team kit

Official website
moanapasifika.co.nz

Moana Pasifika is a rugby union team made up of players from various Pacific Island nations as well as New Zealand or Australian born players of Pasifika heritage, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The team was originally created for a one-off match against the Māori All Blacks in December 2020, with the future intention of trying to join the Super Rugby competition.

On 14 April 2021, New Zealand Rugby confirmed the side had been granted a conditional licence to join the Super Rugby competition.[1]

On 12 July 2021, the team was granted an unconditional licence, confirming them for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.[2]

The team played its inaugural Super Rugby match on 4 March 2022.

## History[edit]

On 24 November 2020, Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga named a 26-man squad for the match against the Māori All Blacks on 5 December 2020.[3][4] The team was made up of New Zealand-based players who were international or sevens capped by a Pacific team or identified with a Pacific region. On 5 December 2020, the team played their first match, against the Māori All Blacks at Waikato Stadium. Captained by Sydney born Samoan international Michael Ala'alatoa the side lost to the Māori 28–21.

## Super Rugby[edit]

Following the conclusion of the 2020 Super Rugby season, the licences for the South African Super Rugby sides; the Bulls, the Lions, the Sharks and the Stormers, the Argentine Jaguares and the Japanese Sunwolves all expired.[5] The 2021 Super Rugby season, still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, was played in two regionalised tournaments featuring the five New Zealand Super Rugby sides and the four Australian Super Rugby sides, plus the Western Force who had returned to the tournament having lost their licence at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season. However, from 2022 onwards a new 12-team tournament had been mooted, and on 13 November 2020, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced Moana Pasifika, along with the Fijian Drua as its preferred partners to join the competition.[6] Further steps were made in March 2021, when the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed to a sharing of broadcast revenue with both Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua,[7] and this was followed later in the same month by World Rugby announcing financial, high performance and administrative support for both potential new sides, in order to boost the performances of Pacific Islands at international level, while also being able to stay local instead of heading overseas.[8]

On 14 April 2021, both sides were granted conditional licenses to join Super Rugby in 2022 by the New Zealand Rugby Union.[9]

On 12 July 2021, the team were granted an unconditional licence, confirming them for the 2022 Super Rugby season.[2]

On 30 August 2021, the side was confirmed in Super Rugby for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, beginning with the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.[10]

Moana Pasifika will be based in South Auckland, Auckland Region, and will play their fixtures at Mt Smart Stadium until 2028.[11] On the following day, Dynasty Sport was announced as the supplier for the team's on-field kit.[12] Aaron Mauger was then announced as the first coach of the team on 30 September 2021.[13]

On 15 November 2021, the schedule for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season was announced, with Moana Pasifika's inaugural match against the Brumbies in Auckland.[14]

On 2 February 2022, Sekope Kepu was named as the inaugural captain of the Moana Pasifika franchise.[15]

Moana Pasifika played its inaugural Super Rugby game on 4 March 2022, a 12–33 loss to the Crusaders. In that historic game, loose forward Solomone Funaki scored the franchise's first ever try.[16] 3 weeks later, Moana Pasifika won its first Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes at Mt Smart Stadium, winning 24–19.[17]

## Current squad[edit]

For player movements before and during the 2024 season, see List of 2023–24 Super Rugby transfers § Moana Pasifika.

The squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season is:[18][a][b][c][d][e][f][g][h]

Moana Pasifika Super Rugby squad

Props

* Suetena Asomua
* Donald Brighouse
* Sekope Kepu
* Sateki Latu
* James Lay (c)
* Abraham Pole
* Ivan Fepuleai ST [h]
* Tevita Langi ST [g]
* Sione Mafileo ST [a]

Hookers

* Thomas Maka
* Sama Malolo
* Sam Moli

Locks

* Viliami Napa'a
* Irie Papuni
* Tom Savage
* Sam Slade
* Ofa Tauatevalu
* Allan Craig ST [a]
* Michael Curry ST [d]

Loose forwards

* Miracle Faiʻilagi
* Solomone Funaki
* Sione Havili Talitui
* Lotu Inisi
* Alamanda Motuga
* Semisi Paea
* Ola Tauelangi
* Niko Jones ST [e]
* Jacob Norris ST [a]

Halfbacks (scrum-halves)

* Ere Enari
* Aisea Halo
* Jonathan Taumateine
* Siaosi Nginingini DEV [f]
* Melani Matavao ST [c]

First five-eighths (fly-halves)

* William Havili
* Christian Leali'ifano

Midfielders (centres)

* Fine Inisi
* Lalomilo Lalomilo
* D'Angelo Leuila
* Pepesana Patafilo
* Henry Taefu

Outside backs

* Nigel Ah Wong
* Viliami Fine
* Neria Fomai
* Otumaka Mausia
* Julian Savea
* Danny Toala
* Anzelo Tuitavuki
* Kyren Taumoefolau DEV [b]

* (c) denotes team captain.
* Bold denotes internationally capped.
* DEV denotes a development squad player.
* ST denotes a short-term signing.
* denotes a player ruled out for the season with injury.

1. ^ a b c d Craig, Mafileo & Norris weren't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but were named in the side for Round 1.[19]
2. ^ a b Taumoefolau was originally named in the Moana Pasifika development squad, but was announced in the side for Round 2.[20]
3. ^ a b Matavao wasn't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but was announced in the side for Round 3.[21]
4. ^ a b Curry wasn't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but was announced in the side for Round 5.[22]
5. ^ a b Jones wasn't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but was announced in the side for Round 7.[23]
6. ^ a b Nginingini was originally named in the Moana Pasifika development squad, but was announced in the side for Round 12.[24]
7. ^ a b Langi wasn't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but was announced in the side for Round 13.[25]
8. ^ a b Fepuleai wasn't named in the original Moana Pasifika squad, but was announced in the side for Round 15.[26]

### Development squad[edit]

The following players were named in the Moana Pasifika development squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season:[27]

* Salesi Tuifua (Prop)
* Connor Seve (Lock)
* Iakopo Manu (Loose forward)
* Siaosi Nginingini (Halfback)
* Kyren Taumoefolau (Outside back)

### Coaching staff[edit]

The following coaching team was appointed for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season:[28]

Name  | Title

|

Tana Umaga | Head coach
Tom Coventry | Assistant coach
Stephen Jones | Backs coach
Pauliasi Manu | Scrum coach
Damian Karauna | Skills coach

## Historic squads[edit]

2020 Moana Pasifika squad for match vs. Māori All Blacks

The squad for the match vs. Māori All Blacks was:[3][4]

Props

* Michael Ala'alatoa (c)
* Jordan Lay
* Daniel Lienert-Brown
* Sione Mafileo

Hookers

* Leni Apisai
* Samisoni Taukei'aho

Locks

* Naitoa Ah Kuoi
* Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
* Samipeni Finau
* Zane Kapeli

|  |

Loose forwards

* Nasi Manu
* Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
* Alamanda Motuga
* Pita Gus Sowakula

Scrum-halves

* Folau Fakatava
* Dwayne Polataivao

Fly-halves

* Josh Ioane
* Stephen Perofeta

|  |

Centres

* Vince Aso
* Leicester Fainga'anuku
* Fetuli Paea

Wingers

* Tomasi Alosio
* Jone Macilai-Tori
* Salesi Rayasi
* Asaeli Tikoirotuma

Fullbacks

* Etene Nanai-Seturo

(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes player is internationally capped.

## See also[edit]

* Pacific Islanders rugby union team
* Pasifika (disambiguation)

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Next steps in Pacific Island professional teams journey confirmed by NZ Rugby" (Press release). All Blacks. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
2. ^ a b "Moana Pasifika granted unconditional licence". Super Rugby NZ. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
3. ^ a b "Tana Umaga names experienced Moana Pasifika squad". rnz.co.nz. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
4. ^ a b "Moana Pasifika names side to face Māori All Blacks". allblacks.com. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
5. ^ "Reports: Super Rugby set for 12 from 2022". SA Rugby Magazine. 4 November 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
6. ^ "New Zealand Rugby confirms Fiji Rugby & Moana Pasifika as preferred partners". New Zealand Rugby. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
7. ^ "Super Rugby: Moana Pasifika, Fiji poised for 2022 inclusion as NZ Rugby shares broadcast revenue". Stuff.co.nz. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
8. ^ "World Rugby to support Pacific Islands Super Rugby ambitions". World Rugby. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
9. ^ "Next steps in Pacific Island professional teams journey confirmed by NZ Rugby". All Blacks. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
10. ^ "Super Rugby Pacific format confirmed". Super Rugby NZ. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
11. ^ "Super Rugby: Moana Pasifika lays down roots at Mt Smart Stadium". Stuff.co.nz. 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
12. ^ Zealand, Dynasty Sport | New (29 September 2021). "Dynasty Sport Partners with Moana Pasifika to Make Rugby History". Dynasty Sport | New Zealand. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
13. ^ "New Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger signals intent to sign best young talent before NZ teams". Stuff.co.nz. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
14. ^ "Match schedule for Super Rugby Pacific revealed". SANZAAR. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
15. ^ "Sekope Kepu named Moana Pasifika Captain". Moana Pasifika. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
16. ^ "Moana Pasifika make Crusaders fight for win in historic Super Rugby debut". Stuff NZ. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
17. ^ "Moana Pasifika beat Hurricanes for 1st Super Rugby win". AP. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
18. ^ "Moana Pasifika Squad Announcement 2024". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 9 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
19. ^ "Moana Pasifika name four debutants for Highlanders match". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
20. ^ "Sione Havili Talitui to lead Moana Pasifika in Super Round". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
21. ^ "Moana Pasifika name strong team for Rebels clash in the Tron". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 6 March 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
22. ^ "Paea set to debut for Moana Pasifika". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
23. ^ "Moana Pasifika head south for Chiefs battle". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
24. ^ "Two debutants for Moana Pasifika in Cultural Round". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
25. ^ "Moana Pasifika name team for Hurricanes clash". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
26. ^ "Moana Pasifika name team for Crusaders contest". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
27. ^ @MoanaPasifika (8 November 2023). "Your squad for season 2024" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 November 2023 - via Twitter.
28. ^ "Toaigaotumua Tom Coventry & Stephen Jones Complete Moana Pasifika Coaching Staff" (Press release). Moana Pasifika. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.

## External links[edit]

* Moana Pasifika official website

* v
* t
* e

Moana Pasifika - current squad

Forwards|

* Suetena Asomua
* Donald Brighouse
* Allan Craig
* Michael Curry
* Miracle Faiʻilagi
* Ivan Fepuleai
* Solomone Funaki
* Sione Havili Talitui
* Lotu Inisi
* Niko Jones
* Sekope Kepu
* Tevita Langi
* Sateki Latu
* James Lay
* Sione Mafileo
* Thomas Maka
* Sama Malolo
* Sam Moli
* Alamanda Motuga
* Viliami Napa'a
* Jacob Norris
* Semisi Paea
* Irie Papuni
* Abraham Pole
* Tom Savage
* Sam Slade
* Ofa Tauatevalu
* Ola Tauelangi

Backs|

* Nigel Ah Wong
* Ere Enari
* Viliami Fine
* Neria Fomai
* Aisea Halo
* William Havili
* Fine Inisi
* Lalomilo Lalomilo
* Christian Leali'ifano
* D'Angelo Leuila
* Melani Matavao
* Otumaka Mausia
* Siaosi Nginingini
* Pepesana Patafilo
* Julian Savea
* Henry Taefu
* Jonathan Taumateine
* Kyren Taumoefolau
* Danny Toala
* Anzelo Tuitavuki

Coach|

* Tana Umaga

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Teams|

| Current teams|

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* Rebels
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|

Former teams|

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Super 12 seasons|

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|

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|

National|

* Skipper Cup
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Hosted|

* Fiji International Sevens (1993–2000)

Former teams|

* Fijian Latui
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Related articles|

* Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance
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|

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|

National|

* Samoa National Provincial Championship

Defunct|

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Venues|

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|

Women's|

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|

National|

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Defunct|

* Super 10
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|

Women's|

* Cook Islands
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Rugby union in Niue

Governing body|

* Niue Rugby Union

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* Niue
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Women's|

* Niue
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Related articles|

* Pacific Islanders rugby union team
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Rugby union in Oceania

By country|

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Men's rugby sevens
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Women's rugby sevens
national teams|

* American Samoa
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* Nauru
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* New Zealand
* Niue
* Papua New Guinea
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* Tuvalu
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International
competitions|

* Rugby Championship
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* Pacific Games

Province and club
competitions|

* Super Rugby
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Organizations|

* Oceania Rugby
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