Moana Pasifika officially out of 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Moana Pasifika will not compete in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The announcement comes after the governing body, which controls Moana Pasifika’s licence to participate in the competition, concluded its exploration of “every possibility for a long-term solution” but was left unconvinced that the options would satisfy its criteria.

Multiple parties were involved in the process, but even after NZR pushed back its initial May 15 deadline, the capital and business plan requirements remained unmet.

NZR outlined the requirements as 1) A credible business plan demonstrating the capacity to generate commercial revenue to operate on a sustainable basis over the long term, and 2) Evidence of sufficient committed capital to meet establishment costs, support operations in the short-term, and provide resilience against financial risks.

NZR Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid confirmed the competition will be reduced to 10 teams in 2027, an unfortunate but necessary decision to provide certainty for the competition commercially, practically and for its fans. Kinraid was, however, eager to highlight that this decision applies only to next year’s season.

“We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027,” he said. “We firmly believe a team can be based in the Pacific Islands and that a sustainable long-term solution can be found in the future. We remain open and willing to engage with anyone who can meet the financial and commercial requirements

“We also acknowledge the engagement of Minister Winston Peters and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the recognition of the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.

“This has been a difficult time for the Moana Pasifika players, management and fans, and the communities that supported them. A lot of hard work has gone into looking at all possibilities for next season. Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met.”

Kinraid then expanded on the exact financial requirements for running a Super Rugby franchise.

“A competitive and sustainable team needs commercial revenue of more than NZ$10 million, in addition to broadcast revenue, and at least NZ$15 million in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves.”

An official statement from Super Rugby Pacific recognised NZR’s decision and the Pasifika community’s contributions to the competition’s success.

“We recognise this outcome is disappointing for everyone connected with the club, including players, coaches, staff, supporters, partners and stakeholders.

“Since joining Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, Moana Pasifika has made a significant contribution to the fabric of our competition and we extend our gratitude to everyone who played a part in that journey.

“There can be no doubt the Pasifika community has been a fundamental part of our competition for the last 30 years, and our commitment to recognising and celebrating that community remains.”

The 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season format will be confirmed in the coming weeks, with the recent engagement from interested parties putting expansion back in the spotlight for the years ahead.

“The licence available through this process was specifically for a team representing Moana Pasifika as a pathway for Tonga and Samoa from 2027. This was not a process to establish a new team or enter a new market.

“We are aware of credible interest in future participation and expansion in Super Rugby Pacific, including opportunities in new markets and the Pacific. We see that as a positive sign for the current outlook and the long-term strength and attractiveness of the competition.

“Any future expansion of Super Rugby Pacific would need to be considered in partnership with Rugby Australia, Super Rugby Pacific and as part of a broader competition strategy.”