William Havili to make history for Moana Pasifika as Ngani Laumape debuts

Moana Pasifika will celebrate their first 50-cap man on Saturday afternoon in Lautoka, with William Havili set to reach the milestone having been named at fullback for round one of the 2026 Super Rugby season.

Havili has been with the club since day dot, and Saturday’s achievement is a clear testament to his consistency on and off the park.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to not only play one game but 50 games for Moana,” Havili said. “I’m really looking forward to it and hoping we can put a good performance out there for our fans and get the win.”

Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “Anytime we play against the Fijian Drua, it’s special. What an awesome opportunity it is to celebrate the start of Super Rugby Pacific with two teams representing the Pacific Islands and playing in the Islands.

“This is what the competition is about, and we’re proud to be flying the flags for the Pacific along with the Drua.

“The Drua are a dangerous team and thrive off their home crowd support in Lautoka. So for us it’s about focusing on our strengths and what we can control. We want to bring the energy from the start and make it a great occasion for our fans, and Willi who we’re excited to see achieve his 50th match milestone,” Umaga said.

Havili echoed his coach’s sentiment, saying the players are expecting a tough tussle in Fiji.

“It’s awesome playing against our Pacific brothers. They are an expansive team and they like to throw the ball around. It will be a good match up and especially over there in Fiji, it will be hot but the boys are ready for it,” Havili said.

“We’re confident in our game, we’ve just been building in preseason and had a hit out against the Highlanders. There are lots of work ons but a lot of positives as well so hopefully we can put it all together on Saturday.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

30

35

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Moana Pasifika team to play the Fijian Drua

1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Chris Apoua
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (C)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Solomon Alaimalo
12. Ngani Laumape
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Ofa
15. William Havili

16. Samiuela Moli
17. Abraham Pole
18. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou
19. Ofa Tauatevalu
20. Dominic Ropeti*
21. Siaos? Nginingini
22. Denzel samoa*
23. Glen vaihu*

Unavailable due to injury: Augustine Pulu (calf), Jimmy Tupou (elbow), Niko Jones (foot), Ola Tauelangi (back), Tupou Afungia (neck), Paula Latu (knee), Tevita Latu (knee).