Moana Pasifika was founded in 2020 after calls for many years for more Pacific involvement in Super Rugby

Wellington (AFP) - Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika said on Wednesday that it will fold at the end of the season, becoming the second team in three years to go under because of financial problems.

Moana Pasifika, founded in 2020 to provide a top-level pathway for players of Pacific heritage, blamed “financial, operational and strategic realities”.

“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff and supporters it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition,” it said.

Unless new owners come in, Super Rugby will be reduced to 10 teams next year after the Melbourne Rebels similarly shut because of financial difficulties after the 2024 season.

Fijian Drua remain in the southern hemisphere competition.

Auckland-based Moana Pasifika were formed after calls for many years for more Pacific involvement in Super Rugby.

Moana focused on players of Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands descent.

They had their best year in 2025, finishing seventh with All Black Ardie Savea in the side.

But the team has endured a miserable run of heavy losses this year with just one win in eight attempts.

The New Zealand Herald reported running costs of more than NZ$10 million (US$5.9m) each year for the outfit, which is owned by the Pasifika Medical Association.

Club chairman Kiki Maoate said disbanding the franchise was “one of the hardest decisions we have ever made”.

“We are immensely proud of our players, staff and the community who have supported our team over the years,” Maoate said.

“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”

The regular season finishes at the end of May.

The team’s 60 players and staff, led by coach Tana Umaga, were informed of the closure on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for New Zealand Rugby said there were other organisations “exploring financially viable and sustainable plans for the future of the team”.

“NZR is open to engaging with those parties to discuss the club’s continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific,” the spokesperson said.

“NZR remains supportive of Moana Pasifika’s vision to create pathways from the Pacific and is saddened by the challenges the club faces.”