Super Rugby Pacific prepares for a major restructuring, returning to a 10-team format in 2027 following the disbandment of Moana Pasifika at the end of the 2026 season.
Moana Pasifika’s Demise
Owners of the New Zealand-based franchise confirm the team will cease operations due to unsustainable finances. “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,” the club states in its announcement.
Launched in 2022 to highlight talent from Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, Moana Pasifika featured former Wallaby Sekope Kepu as captain. The team faces the Waratahs on Friday night in Sydney but has recorded just 15 wins over five seasons, never finishing higher than third-last.
Challenges On and Off the Field
Headquartered in Auckland alongside the Blues, the franchise frequently relocated venues and drew limited crowds, hampering revenue. Reductions in funding from World Rugby and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) left private investors scarce, with no major backers emerging.
NZR, as licence holder, acknowledges interest from parties exploring viable plans for the team’s future and expresses openness to discussions on continued participation. However, experts view this as unlikely.
A Return to Super 10 Format
The shift creates a streamlined competition with five New Zealand teams, four Australian teams, and the Fijian Drua. This enables a full home-and-away schedule across 18 rounds, eliminating the two byes in the current 16-round, 11-team setup.
Competition organizers anticipate a slightly extended season starting earlier, potentially with a reduced top-four finals series. Broadcasters prioritize maintaining around 83 games annually under existing deals, providing stability for teams like the Western Force amid ongoing financial pressures in Perth.
Potential Conference Revival
Australian broadcaster Stan Sport advocates reintroducing conferences to boost local teams’ finals chances and pave the way for Japanese clubs. This requires NZR approval, though past trials from 2016 to 2020 faced criticism—such as the 2017 Brumbies qualifying via conference despite trailing the Blues on points.
An earlier February start accommodates extra rounds but raises concerns for Test players, who often extend club seasons into December and miss early fixtures. Super Rugby last featured 10 teams in 1995, when Queensland claimed victory in a field including top New Zealand, South African, and Pacific sides.
