'We'd love to talk to him': Moana Pasifika coach addresses Mo'unga and Tonga speculation

Although Moana Pasifika has started their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with two losses, there have been signs in the first two rounds that they are making positive strides ahead of their first home game of the season this weekend.

Moana Pasifika will host Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders on Friday night at North Harbour Stadium in Albany, after returning from a two-game away trip against the Force and Reds respectively.

All Blacks star loose forward Ardie Savea has already added some extra intensity on and off the field, and Umaga says his effort in preparation has been the biggest lesson for the playing group.

“He’s had a massive influence in terms of our off-field preparation, his work rate as well as work ethic off the field, I think has been, something that we were looking for,” Umaga told The Breakdown.

“We know what he’s going to bring on the field, but for a lot of our young guys, it’s just learning how to prepare and get consistency. It’s something that we probably saw last year we needed a bit of someone to lead us in those aspects.

“We’ve got a few players, but we’re just trying to build more in terms of those professional behaviours and habits.

“He’s such, he’s a great team man. You know, he doesn’t expect anyone to do anything that he wouldn’t expect of himself. He leads with his actions, but when he does speak, he knows not to waste his words.”

Former All Black Jeff Wilson asked Umaga how they were planning on resting Savea, as the All Black loose forward has already got through a mountain of work early on in this Super Rugby Pacific season.

“We’ve already spoken with NZR around every All Black being entitled to the two-week rest periods. We’re no different, we’re fortunate that, we have two byes that we can rest him there, and then we’ll make good decisions by making sure we have talked to Ardie and as you say, he’s a warrior.

“He’ll play through a lot of things, that most people wouldn’t, and I think our players are starting to see that, he puts himself through so much, because he can look after himself.

“He knows what he needs to get through in the week. He still turns up, every weekend, but you’re right, we just got to manage him.”

Umaga explains that despite the rumours of All Blacks first-five Richie Mo’unga being linked to play for Tonga, Moana Pasifika hasn’t spoken to him regarding a possible move to play for his side in Super Rugby.

“No, not at this stage. Richie is getting a lot of calls from everybody, but hey, look, he’s someone that we would love to talk to.

Umaga was quick to make a joke regarding the situation, saying that they had an idea of how to convince Mo’unga.

“We know his uncles, we will see how we go.”