Super Rugby 2026

Some highly entertaining stuff between the two games, Tavs v Reds was my pick, some helter skelter stuff but the offloading was great to watch!

Moana Pasifika have announced that 2026 will be the club’s final year competing in Super Rugby Pacific. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning, five years after the club’s debut in the competition.

A statement from the club described the decision as “heartbreaking”, with the disbandment of its Super Rugby operations affecting 60 players and staff members, as well as the broader Pasifika community.

“This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational, and strategic realities facing the franchise as well as professional rugby in New Zealand. Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition,” Wednesday’s press release read.

Established in 2020 and joining Super Rugby in 2022, with the competition rebranding to lean into its revamped ‘Pacific’ identity, Moana Pasifika won two games in their opening season and proceeded to improve their results in each of their four season heading into 2026.

By the 2025 season, which saw All Blacks star Ardie Savea arrive at the club, Moana Pasifika was competing for a maiden playoff berth with a record of six wins and eight losses.

The club said they will “provide support” for all staff and players moving forward, with Savea among those contracted for the 2027 season.

“This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made,” Moana Pasifika Chair, Dr Kiki Maoate said. “We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years.

“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.

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

The team’s 2026 captain, Miracle Faiilagi, is one of the club’s big success stories, stepping straight from Samoa onto the Super Rugby stage and blossoming into one of the competition’s premier loose forwards. Head coach Tana Umaga, who was set to depart the club at season’s end to join Dave Rennie’s new All Blacks coaching group regardless of the club’s fate, had expanded the club’s pre-season trial program to identify more young Pasifika talent and give them a shot at making the step up to professional rugby.

“We acknowledge our loyal fans for standing by us through the highs and lows – your support has meant everything to us, especially our players. We ask that you stand by your team today,” Dr Maoate said.

Dramatic finish in Chiefs Hurricanes game. Sittiti try in extra time after a deflection from a Mackenzie kick wins it for Chiefs

Australian teams generally playing second fiddle to NZ counterparts. Waratahs look poor while Brumbies have been inconsistent. Reds probably look the best of the Aussies while Western Force have improved.

My cousin has been living in Sydney for 20 years and is a converted NRL fan, through him I have been following the NRL a lot more! The contrast between NRL and Super rugby is huge. NRL have huge crowds, TV, competitive games. There are 2 more expansion teams coming onboard. Union is a direct contrast, dwindling crowds and TV, Oz teams struggling, teams folding.