Moana Pasifika is officially out of Super Rugby after New Zealand Rugby declined to approve its licence to be part of the competition next year.
The franchise, which was recently put into liquidation, had hoped to continue with financial support from the Samoa and Tonga governments. New Zealand's minster of foreign affairs Winston Peters had also appeared hopeful of a good result for Moana Pasifika when he said late last month that "good news was coming".
However, it was not to be, with a statement from NZ Rugby today sounding the death knell for the franchise.
"NZR explored every possibility for a long-term solution with several interested parties, including allowing multiple extensions to the 15 May deadline. None of the parties were able to satisfy both the capital and business plan requirements necessary to secure the licence," the statement said.
"This means that the competition will move to a 10-team format in 2027."
NZ Rugby chief financial officer Chris Kinraid said the decision was made "in the best interests of the competition, and to provide certainty and stability to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
“We want to be clear, the door remains open beyond 2027. 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."
Kinraid made reference to Peters' recent comments when saying: “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.”
A separate Super Rugby Pacific statement said: "We recognise this outcome is disappointing for everyone connected with the club, including players, coaches, staff, supporters, partners and stakeholders."
NZ Rugby said any party seeking to acquire the licence for Moana Pasifika to participate from 2027 was required to meet two minimum financial requirements:
- A long-term business plan: A credible business plan demonstrating the capacity to generate commercial revenue to operate on a sustainable basis over the long term.
- Committed and viable capital: Evidence of sufficient committed capital to meet establishment costs, support operations in the short-term, and provide resilience against financial risks.
Super Rugby Pacific is set to confirm the 2027 competition format in coming weeks.
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