The Pasifika Medical Association, majority owner of Super Rugby Pacific franchise Moana Pasifika, has declared the team unviable, sparking fears that rugby union's traditional heartlands in the Pacific are under threat from an NRL signing spree backed by a $240 million war-chest.
Soft-Power Politics and a New War in the Pacific
The collapse of Moana Pasifika has raised concerns about soft-power politics and the vulnerability of Samoa and Tonga. The Australian government is funding a $600 million NRL franchise in Papua New Guinea, with $240 million earmarked for poaching talent and creating pathways in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. Rugby Australia (RA) insiders say the NRL aims to "kill rugby in the Pacific" by siphoning off the best players.
Rugby Union's Cultural and Political Significance
Rugby union has been the national sport of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands for over a century. Fiji has achieved Olympic gold in sevens and a strong 15s side. RA CEO Phil Waugh emphasized rugby's role in village life, tradition, and national pride, noting its political links that shape relationships beyond the field. However, the NRL's war-chest threatens this legacy.
The plan has sparked fierce debate in Australia. Former Wallaby captain and senator David Pocock called it "designed to set up a talent pathway for league." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, shares a passion for NRL with PNG's PM James Marape. The new PNG Chiefs franchise will offer tax-free dollars, a $66 million luxury compound, and access to a private island, part of soft-power politics to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific.
China's Growing Rugby Diplomacy
Dan Millis, RA's head of Pacific partnerships, noted China's increased activity in rugby diplomacy through investment in sporting infrastructure and partnerships with national rugby bodies. Unable to compete with Australian NRL funding, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga are signing sponsorship deals with China. Fiji's team bus features pandas and the slogan "Love from the People of Guangzhou," and two Chinese women's sides played in the 2025 Coral Island Sevens tournament.
Moana Pasifika's Struggle and Future
Moana Pasifika was formed in 2022 when Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands merged to fill the void left by South Africa's withdrawal. World Rugby initially funded Moana with $7–10 million annually until 2024, when the Pasifika Medical Association became majority owners. The PMA has now declared the franchise unviable and is winding it up. Club chair Kiki Maoate urged fans to "stand by your team" and emphasized resilience as Pacific people.
Possible next steps include fresh investment to save Moana or finding a new Pacific side. Tana Umaga and Sir Michael Jones are exploring interest from Kanaloa Rugby, a Hawaii-based pro-rugby franchise. Rugby Australia has proposed the Veimoana Partnership with Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to develop a Super side via domestic competitions, seeking funding from the Australian government. New Zealand Rugby remains supportive of Moana Pasifika's vision and is open to engaging with parties exploring sustainable plans.
However, Moana's performance has been poor: finishing 12th, 12th, and 11th in their first three seasons, improving to seventh in 2025 with Ardie Savea as captain and Umaga as coach, but nosediving in 2026 with one win from 11 games after Savea's sabbatical and Umaga's departure.
Comparison with Fiji Drua
Fiji Drua, which entered Super Rugby Pacific alongside Moana in 2022, has succeeded by playing home games in Suva and Lautoka before huge crowds. All games are broadcast live on over 360,000 local devices, viewed by more than half the population. Drua tourism injected $F108 million ($68.5 million AUD) into Fiji's economy last year.
Fiji has nearly 1 million citizens, and Papua New Guinea 11–17 million. Without global support, tiny rugby-loving nations like Samoa (220,000) and Tonga (104,000) struggle to retain homegrown talent. Umaga warned, "The gap between where we are internationally to where we need to get to is very big. Without Moana to bridge that gap, it's going to be tough."
