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Moana Pasifika forced to ditch Tonga venue for Chiefs clash
By Henry Lee
Moana Pasifika have today announced they’ve had to move this season’s fixture in Tonga against the Chiefs in round nine, due to a lack of funding and sponsorship.
The game against the Hamilton-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise was scheduled to be played at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga, but the club is now working with Super Rugby Pacific to find an alternative venue.
The North Harbour-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise has previously taken two games to Pacific nations, playing in Apia in 2023 and Nuku’alofa in 2024.
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The club say the decision was a difficult one, explaining that the franchise did their best to secure the funding and sponsorship needed, but were unsuccessful in doing so.
Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen said that the club is not funded to take games to the Pacific region, and the organisation believe they should be.
“We have explored every avenue possible to try and make it work, but unfortunately we were unable to secure the necessary sponsorship to bring this game to Tonga,” Sorensen said in a Moana Pasifika statement.
“The challenge we face is that we are not funded to bring any games to the Pacific region, and we believe we should be.
“While we are heartbroken for our team, our fans, and especially our families in Tonga, we remain hopeful and deeply committed to growing the game in the region. We look forward to opportunities to bring world-class rugby to Tonga and other Pacific countries as soon as possible.”
Tonga Rugby Union CEO Aisea Aholelei echoes what Sorensen said, comparing Moana Pasifika’s situation with theirs about taking games to Pacific nations.
“I totally understand the situation but it is unfortunate Moana Pasifika cannot make it this year. Moana is in very similar circumstances to Tonga Rugby Union,” Aholelei added.
“Whenever we want to play a game here in Tonga, it’s always a loss making exercise unless a significant sponsor comes our way.
“I hope to come over sometime soon to support our team and work on how we can make Moana Pasifika stronger.”
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