Last year, when speculation arose about Moana Pasifika’s future ahead of the finals, it was difficult to accept. The team had achieved impressive victories, including defeating the Crusaders in Christchurch and the Blues, and finishing their 2025 season just five points shy of a playoff spot. However, 2026 proved to be far more challenging without key players Ardie Savea and Kyren Taumoefolau, and after a promising start in Fiji, their fortunes took a downturn.
Tragically, the whispers regarding the team’s fate transformed into an announcement this week that 2026 would be Moana Pasifika’s final season. This news has ushered in a wave of anxiety and sadness among players and staff families, as they come to terms with an uncertain future.
Geoff Parkes’ account, “A Year in the Life and Death of the Melbourne Rebels,” sheds light on the brutal reality of a club folding—in this case, Moana becomes the sixth team to exit the competition in nine years. The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected several franchises, contributing to their demise ahead of the widespread global disruption.
Since its inception, Moana Pasifika has followed in the footsteps of other teams like the Southern Kings, Cheetahs, Sunwolves, Jaguares, and Melbourne Rebels, each of which faced their own challenges and ultimately exited the league. The Kings debuted in 2013 but struggled to stay competitive, while the Cheetahs, who entered in 2006, became fan favourites but were cut in 2017. The Sunwolves contributed to Japanese rugby’s growth but were hampered by inconsistent performance, leading to their exit.
The Jaguares were perhaps the most successful of these teams, reaching the finals four years after their debut but disbanding shortly after due to the pandemic. The Melbourne Rebels, on the other hand, endured a rollercoaster existence since their establishment in 2011, marked by both explosive moments and struggles, culminating in their closure in 2024.
As Moana Pasifika prepares for their final season, they will face the Waratahs on Friday night. Historically, they have performed well against NSW, recently triumphing over them in their last two encounters. With a sense of unpredictability this season, many are keenly anticipating whether Moana can pull off another upset. Tune in to catch the match live on Stan Sport this Friday at 7pm AEST.