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The end of Moana Pasifika: Could the franchise return at a later date?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 24 Jun 2026, 5:57pm
Augustine Pulu of Moana Pasifika looks on during the round nine Super Rugby match between Moana Pasifika and Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium, on April 11, 2026, in Rotorua, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
Augustine Pulu of Moana Pasifika looks on during the round nine Super Rugby match between Moana Pasifika and Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium, on April 11, 2026, in Rotorua, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

New Zealand Rugby CFO Chris Kinraid has drop kicked suggestions Moana Pasifika was a failure.

Super Rugby will reduce to ten teams next season as NZR have knocked back the four legitimate bids to buy the Moana license. 

The franchise fizzles out owing millions on a loan from the Government, but Kinraid says NZR's open to Moana making a return beyond 2027.

"We remain pretty open to opportunities in the competition - '28 remains a possibility, but it still could be a challenge."

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