Newstalk ZB
Moana Pasifika have announced they will disband at the end of the current Super Rugby season, saying it was no longer viable to compete in the competition. In a statement, Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate said it was one of the hardest decisions they’d had to make. While the picture is bleak, there is a chance the franchise could be saved if they can find a new owner willing to meet the annual running costs of between $10 million and $12m. The franchise have faced countless challenges during their five years in Super Rugby. 2020: Warming up Details began emerging in 2020 about a Pacific franchise bid backed by All Black legend Bryan Williams, with the intention of offering career pathways for Pasifika people, while attracting some of the best Pacific players in the world. Talks sped up when a Moana Pasifika side were named to face the Māori All Blacks in an exhibition match, with the intention of adding them to Super Rugby in the near future. The Māori All Blacks would win the match 28-21. While this was seen as a big moment in the sport, the then New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive, Mark Robinson, conceded “a lot of work” was needed before the teams would be ready to compete. And looking back across their short history, it was clear the club were destined to fail. 2021: Foundations laid April 14: The NZR board approved two conditional licences for Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua to join a new-look Super Rugby competition in 2022. Former Manu Samoa and All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones said the announcement was a significant milestone. July 12: Moana Pasifika were granted their unconditional licence to officially join Super Rugby in 2022. That meant they could start staff and player recruitment and organise commercial aspects. Unlike New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams, Moana were not directly affiliated with NZR, the national game’s governing body. However, NZR and World Rugby did contribute with initial funding. The team were established and owned by a charitable trust, the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust. Former Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger. Photo / Photosport September - November: Moana Pasifika confirmed Mt Smart Stadium would be the team’s base until the 2028 season. They began signing their first batch of players, including former Wallabies duo Christian Leali’ifano and Sekope Kepu, who would later be named the inaugural captain.Former All Black Aaron Mauger was confirmed as the team’s first head coach. 2022: Kick off February 12: Their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific match against the Blues was postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak in the team. The team had been slated to face the Brumbies when the draw came out in November, but travel restrictions forced the schedule to be amended. The six New Zealand-based franchises had relocated to Queenstown for the start of the season due to travel restrictions. February 18: The Herald revealed Moana Pasifika received $4.5 million in government funding – via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portfolio – to help them get ready for their inaugural season. March 4: Moana Pasifika played their first match of Super Rugby against the Crusaders. They were beaten 33-12. March 24: History was made as Moana Pasifika claimed their first win, beating the Hurricanes 24-19 thanks to a Danny Toala try in extra time. Moana Pasifika players celebrate the winning try by Danny Toala. Photo / Photosport May 31: Moana Pasifika played their last game of the season, finishing last with just two wins from 14 matches. It was reported that about $7.4m of their $9.3m of revenue came from grants and subsidies. 2023: Second-year blues April 14: Moana made history by taking their clash against the Reds to Apia, making it just the second Super Rugby match to be played there. They went on to lose 40-28. May 21: The Herald revealed Aaron Mauger had resigned as head coach, despite having a year left on his contract. Under his tenure, Moana won three out of their 28 games. May 24: The Crus...
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