Overview
- Moana Pasifika, which announced Wednesday it will cease Super Rugby operations after this season unless a buyer emerges, will honor 2026 contracts and provide transition support.
- New Zealand Rugby said parties are exploring financially viable proposals and that it is open to talks on the club’s continued participation, though no takeover is confirmed.
- The club cited financial, operational and strategic pressures for the decision, with annual running costs estimated at about $7 million and waning external funding.
- Roughly 60 players and staff face uncertain futures, with high‑profile names such as Ardie Savea expected to draw interest elsewhere as reports flag growing attention from Japan and Europe.
- If the team exits, Super Rugby Pacific is expected to shrink to 10 sides in 2027, and organizers have begun contingency work that could include a full home‑and‑away schedule under a revised format.