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Moana Pasifika announce homegrown hero Miracle Faiilagi as 2026 captain
By Henry Lee
Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise Moana Pasifika has today announced their new captain for the 2026 season, with loose-forward Miracle Faiilagi chosen as the new leader.
Faiilagi, who has played four times for Samoa, is named to replace All Black centurion Ardie Savea as the captain of Moana Pasifika, as Savea is currently on a sabbatical in Japan at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
The 26-year-old has played 30 times for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, after impressing at the World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva in 2022, where he was spotted by Moana Pasifika coaches.
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Faiilagi missed most of the 2024 season with a serious injury, but returned to Moana Pasifika in 2025 where he had a standout season before playing for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC competition.
“The new Moana Pasifika captain said that it’s a privilege to be named the captain for the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I just give praise to God, it’s his plan that I’m here. God put me in this position and it’s a role that I’m ready to step into and give it my best.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this team. I’m not only leading the boys and this whole organisation, but I’m leading Pasifika people.
“When Tana asked me to be captain I went away and gathered information from previous leaders, especially Ardie and Jimmy Lay,” Faiilagi said.
The Manu Samoa international said he is proud of his heritage and hopes his opportunity as captain will help inspire people back home.
“Looking back, I was just a kid from the Islands that wanted to make the most of the opportunity and back in the Islands we hardly get these opportunities,” Faiilagi said.”
“For the kids back in the Islands I hope this encourages them to keep pursuing their dreams in whatever field that they’re trying to reach. Just keep believing in themselves, put God first and do the hard work.”
For Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga, he believes that Faiilagi has the professionalism and hard work to be a great captain for this franchise.
“We’re confident that he will lead the team well and do it in his unique way. He’s resilient and can empower the team through his presence and professionalism. There is also a wealth of experience in our team to support him.
“His journey from playing in the village in Samoa to now leading a Super Rugby team is inspiring for Pasifika people. Many young Pasifika kids will be able to see themselves in Miracle and know that they can one day be where he is.”
“It wasn’t easy but Miracle took his chance and is reaping the rewards of his hard work. We’re really proud to have him leading us into the new season.”
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