Moana Pasifika’s Final Chapter
When whispers began circulating in the lead-up to the finals last year about Moana Pasifika’s uncertain future, it was hard to believe. Here was a team that had defeated the Crusaders in Christchurch, overcome their neighbors, the Blues, and beaten the Waratahs with ease. Their 2025 season saw them come within just five competition points of making their first ever finals appearance.
However, the 2026 season has proven more challenging without key players Ardie Savea and Kyren Taumoefolau. After a strong start in Fiji, the team struggled to maintain momentum. The internal doubts eventually turned into a loud reality, and this week, Moana Pasifika announced that this would be their final year in the competition.
The emotional impact on the families of the players and staff is immense. There is a deep sense of anxiety, uncertainty, and sadness as they face the end of an era. It’s heartbreaking to know they have to go through this process.
A History of Teams Leaving Super Rugby Pacific
Putting the tournament aside for a moment, it’s important to look at other teams that have left the competition over the years. A book titled ‘A Year in the Life and Death of the Melbourne Rebels’ by Geoff Parkes offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means for a club to fold, and it’s a brutal experience.
Unfortunately, Moana now joins the list of six teams that have been cut from the competition in the last nine years. While the pandemic forced the separation of South African teams from the tournament, there were franchises that were removed before the global crisis hit. Here’s a look at some of those teams that have come and gone over the last decade.
Southern Kings
The Southern Kings from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, made their Super Rugby debut in 2013. They beat the Rebels in Melbourne, drew with the Brumbies in Canberra, but also suffered a heavy loss at home to the Waratahs. They were later relegated after losing a promotion/relegation match against the Lions.
Despite their struggles, the Kings managed to unearth Makazole Mapimpi, who went on to become a World Cup winner and brought tears to many fans’ eyes.
Cheetahs
The Cheetahs joined the competition in 2006 and became a mainstay. Their home games were must-watch events for rugby fans in Australia. Known for their aggressive style, they often ran visiting teams off the park. Star players like Juan Smith, Adriaan Strauss, and Heinrich Brussouw wore the white and orange jersey. Unfortunately, the Cheetahs were culled in 2017.
Sunwolves
The Sunwolves, also known as the ‘Moon Dogs,’ added a unique flavor to the tournament from their base in Tokyo, Japan. They entered the competition in 2016, combining Super Rugby players looking for a fresh start with local talent. Their home games in Tokyo attracted large crowds and created a surreal matchday experience. However, their games in Singapore often faced empty stands.
Despite a record of 68 games with just eight wins, the Sunwolves famously beat the Waratahs in Newcastle. They played a crucial role in promoting rugby in Japan ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The Tokyo-based team eventually fell following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jaguares
The Jaguares were the most successful of the teams that left the competition. They became a tough opponent, especially in Argentina. With a squad full of Test-level players, they reached the grand final in just four years. They were denied by the Crusaders in 2019, but the arrival of the pandemic led to their exit.
Melbourne Rebels
As mentioned earlier, the story of the Melbourne Rebels is detailed in a book that highlights their dramatic journey. The club’s arrival in 2011 was impressive, with a match against the Waratahs drawing 25,000 fans at AAMI Park. Over the next 15 years, the Rebels experienced a mix of highs and lows, including court cases and off-field issues that caught the attention of British tabloids.
They had notable players like Danny Cipriani and even had a memorable incident involving a bus brawl in South Africa. Ironically, their best season came in their final year, leading to their folding in 2024.
Looking Ahead
With Moana Pasifika set to play against the Waratahs, it will be interesting to see how they perform. The team has had success against NSW in recent years, including a win at the SFS in 2024 thanks to a try by Christian Lealiifano and a strong performance in North Harbour last year.
It’s a year of surprises, and there’s a feeling that Moana might add to the list of upsets. Catch the Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika match live and on demand exclusively on Stan Sport from 7pm Friday AEST. 
