In this bulletin:
1. WEIGLIFTING — Pacific Mini Games Golden boy John Tafi sets new Oceania record
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Luai set to join PNG as Chiefs nab try-scoring ace
3. RUGBY — Buna returns, Komaitai joins Fijian Drua Women
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — Storm star Tui Kamikamica readying for return after stroke shock
5. RUGBY — Fijian Drua shift focus to home game against Highlanders
6. ATHLETICS — Security tightened for Fiji Finals
7. FOOTBALL — Nukuhetulu FC finish their qualifying campaign with victory
8. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG rugby league Player transfer rules tightened
9. RUGBY — Trills re-signs – Force & Wallaroos legend returns for unfinished business
10. RUGBY — With Moana Pasifika’s demise who will rise to shape Pacific rugby’s future?
SAMOA – RUGBY: TALAMUA MEDIA PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Pacific Mini Games Golden boy John Tafi sets new Oceania record
APIA, 29 APRIL 2026 (TALAMUA MEDIA)—-Named the best overall athlete in the Pacific Mini Games 2025, John Tafi of Samoa not only broke his own records from the Mini Games and set a new Oceania record in the Universal Weightlifting Championship 2026 now in its third day in Samoa.
Competing in the Senior Mens 71 kg category, he lifted 140kg in the Snatch 172kg in the Clean & Jerk sealing a new record and a gold medal for Samoa.
He entered the sport at the age of 17 in 2019 through school sporting activities and his interest in wrestling escalated when he joined Team Samoa for the Oceania Junior Championship hosted in Samoa then.
He won gold medals in the Snatch 95 kg, Clean & Jerk 115 kg and the 61kg category.
In 2021, at the May Challenge Cup, he set a new Oceania Junior and Senior record in the Snatch and Clean & Kerk 73 kg category where he lifted 136kg.
He broke three records during the Oceania Junior Championships 2022 which opened the qualifying door for him at the Commonwealth level.
He competed in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 in the Mens’ 73kg division.
The same year he set another new record at the Oceania Junior and Senior 73kg category.
In 2025, he competed in the Oceania Cup International in Melbourne and was named the “best overall male lifter.”
Then at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau in 2025, he secured 3 gold medals for Samoa and was named the “best overall athlete.”
Since 2019, Tafi’s performance has been consistent and has proudly carried Samoas’ name in his journey; but perhaps his best win was achieved at the Universal Weightlifting Championship 2026 in-front of a home crowd Tuesday….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Luai set to join PNG as Chiefs nab try-scoring ace
SYDNEY, 29 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—-Jarome Luai is expected to put pen to paper on a deal with the PNG Chiefs, who have announced South Sydney try-scoring freak Alex Johnston as their historic first signing.
Johnston made history for the second time this year after becoming the first player to commit to the Chiefs ahead of their entry to the competition in 2028.
The 31-year-old confirmed the move on Tuesday in an Instagram story post with the words “Yessssss sirrrrrrr”.
But the expansion franchise’s biggest capture for their inaugural season is landing Luai as their marquee signing, a move the five-eighth is expected to publicly confirm on Wednesday.
The Wests Tigers superstar spent last weekend in PNG and met with Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” Marape told local media.
“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
Luai flew to PNG and back on a private jet with his family, touching down in Sydney on Monday evening to a media scrum.
He is due to front a press conference at Wests Tigers headquarters on Wednesday morning where he is expected to confirm he will join the Chiefs in 2028.
A four-time premiership winner with Penrith, the playmaker has the Tigers flying in third spot on the ladder.
But the temptation to be the face of a new franchise and earn a tax-free $1.2 million (US$800,000)-a-season deal with the Chiefs appears to have proven too good to turn down.
Luai, 29, will activate an option to spend 2027 with the Tigers for the same money before then heading to Port Moresby and become the face of the Chiefs.
Johnston, meanwhile, will join the new club on a one-year deal understood to be worth a tax-free $325,000(US$232,000).
He passed Ken Irvine’s long-standing NRL try-scoring record earlier this season with his 212th and 213th four-pointers for the Rabbitohs.
The 250-game veteran has since moved to a career tally of 219 tries.
Johnston, who will be 33 in 2028, received the blessing of Souths coach Wayne Bennett earlier this year to join the PNG franchise given his strong ties with the country.
The winger made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019, scoring four tries in 12 internationals for the league-obsessed nation.
AAP revealed last August that Johnston had the option to sign with the Chiefs before November 1.
In a measure of his standing and popularity at the Rabbitohs, Johnston also has the support of teammates.
“Yeah, he told us this morning. Look, you’ve got to be happy for the bloke,” said prop Sean Keppie.
“He’s given so much to the game and to see him get that first position over there is pretty cool to see.
“I’m pretty sure they’re going to do some pretty good things over there, so he’ll grab it with both hands and he’s already scored so many tries, hopefully he can score some more, but not against us,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Storm star Tui Kamikamica readying for return after stroke shock
MELBOURNE, 29 APRIL 2206 (AAP)—Tui Kamikamica is eyeing an NRL return after undergoing heart and brain surgery following a stroke, with the Melbourne forward still determined to lead Fiji at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
The Storm were rocked when the 31-year-old was rushed to hospital in March after suffering a terrifying stroke, which left him unable to move or speak.
Undergoing emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, Kamikamica told AAP his first thought when he woke regarded his playing future.
“Everything was normal and then I woke up around 3.30am to go to the toilet, and my right arm was fully numb and just slowly I can’t talk and stuff, so that’s when I know it’s something serious,” said Kamikamica, whose wife Asi quickly called an ambulance.
“When the paramedics came, I can’t even move my head, I can’t move my leg, my arm and stuff, so I went straight to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the surgery was straight away.
“As soon as I woke up, the first thing I ask the doctor, ‘Am I going to play again?’ and he was like, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll play again’, and that’s all I needed to know.”
After time in a rehabilitation facility, Kamikamica was booked in for more surgery – this time to fix the hole in his heart, known as a Patent Foramen Ovale, which had allowed the blood clot to travel to his brain.
The father of one said that surgery removed the risk of him suffering another stroke.
“Everyone has a little hole in their heart, but once you grow older, it’s supposed to be closed, but then one in four people still have that hole in their heart, I’m just one of those one in four people,” Kamikamica said.
“It was closed last week … if I didn’t have the heart surgery then I can have another stroke in the near future so that’s pretty scary.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but I’m glad it’s all done now.”
Kamikamica said he was feeling “pretty much back to normal” and would gradually increase his training load before returning to play.
While he would like to be back sooner rather than later, the Storm are planning to take a cautious approach.
“I’ve been doing just light weights, light running and stuff, and then I can slowly push a bit more,’ he said.
He said he’d had a constant companion in the club’s rehab group with his best mate Eli Katoa, who is also recovering from brain surgery stemming from successive concussions.
Kamikamica wants to lead Fiji at this year’s World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November.
But before that, the priority is to get back into action for the Storm who are on a worrying six-game losing streak.
The Storm have desperately missed his 110kg, 195cm presence in their forward pack.
“That’s one of the things I’ve really, really missed, just being out there and playing with the boys – it’s been a tough couple of weeks for us but I reckon once we click, it’s going to turn so we just have to believe in ourselves that we can make it right again,” said Kamikamica, who has converted his family’s farm in Somosomo into a commercial kava business.
“Pretty much my goal at the end of the year is to represent my country, Fiji, in the Rugby League World Cup, but for me right now it’s more so getting back into my rehab, doing it the right way.
“I don’t need to rush back because this is one of those serious injuries.
“But in saying that, I’ll do everything I can to be able to be out there with the boys, trying to help them throughout the year,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Buna returns, Komaitai joins Fijian Drua Women
NADI, 29 APRIL 2026 (FBC SPORTS) —Atelaite Buna’s return and the inclusion of World Cup representative Manuqalo Komaitai headline the Fijian Drua Women’s squad for the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season.
The squad, announced today, features 18 capped Vodafone Fijiana 15s players from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, along with 12 new inclusions and three returning players as the Drua prepare for another strong campaign.
Speedster Buna is back after an impressive debut season in 2024 where she crossed for six tries, bringing her finishing ability back to the backline.
She returns alongside Sulita Waisega and Evivi Senikarivi.
Two-time title-winning captain Bitila Tawake has been handed the leadership role once again for the new season. Tawake, who captained the side to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, brings experience and versatility with 17 appearances for the club and the ability to play across both the forwards and backs.
She will be assisted by Fijiana XV captain Alfreda Fisher and Kolora Lomani, who have been named vice-captains.
Three players from Fiji’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad have also earned their first Super Rugby Women’s contracts, with Manuqalo Komaitai, Verenaisi Ditavutu and Michellae Stolz breaking into the Drua setup.
They are joined by national 15s players Keri Lawavou, Elesi Saukuru, Zipporah Sorokacika, Selai Naliva, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Vilisi Tivalele, Varanisese Qoro, Ruth Raketekete, Vika Nakacia, Aqela Raitubu and Ivamere Nabura.
The forward pack will again be led by the Drua Women’s most-capped player Karalaini Naisewa, who has made 25 appearances, while Fisher strengthens the second row after being named the Drua’s 2025 Player of the Year.
In the backs, 2025 Rookie of the Year Josivini Naihamu joins an exciting midfield group, while Buna, Repeka Tove and Litiana Vueti provide plenty of firepower in the outside backs.
With a mix of experienced internationals and fresh talent, the Drua Women will be aiming to make another strong statement in the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s competition….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Fijian Drua shift focus to home game against Highlanders
NADI, 29 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —Fijian Drua is banking on the energy of a passionate home crowd as they prepare for a crucial clash against the Highlanders in Ba this Saturday.
With just a six-day turnaround, head coach Glen Jackson acknowledged the quick shift back to home soil presents both a challenge and an opportunity for his side to reset and respond.
“We’ve got a six-day turnaround to go back home, and we will change the intensity of preparation,” Jackson said.
Returning to Ba, where a sold-out crowd is expected, is something Glenn believes could provide a timely lift for his players.
“We know we’re going to have a sold-out crowd in Ba, so we’re looking forward to that,” he added.
Co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admitted the emotional and physical boost from supporters often fuels their performances.
“We’ve got a lot of energy back home with home game advantage, but it all comes down to consistency,” Mayanavanua said.
Mayanavanua pointed to lapses in their last match against the Chiefs where the team struggled to maintain momentum.
“We’ll build points, but then we slacken off a little bit, which is not good enough against a quality side,” he said.
Despite the inconsistencies, Mayanavanua is confident the Ba crowd can help ignite a stronger, more disciplined performance.
“Having a home game and home crowd advantage, hopefully that will soak up the boys,” he said.
The Drua will need to sustain pressure across the full 80 minutes if they are to capitalise on their home advantage in a clash against the Highlanders this Saturday at the Four R Stadium, Govind Park at 4pm…..PACNEWS
FIJI – ATHLETICS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Security tightened for Fiji Finals
SUVA, 29 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—More than 140 police officers will be deployed to secure this year’s Coca-Cola Games, with the Fiji Police Force taking full control of safety operations at the national schools event.
While speaking to FBC News, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe stressed that the deployment will be equal to or higher than last year’s, reflecting the scale of the event and the need for heightened vigilance.
It is understood that the number of schools and athletes participating in this year’s Fiji Finals has increased.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe says a structured deployment plan will see officers stationed across multiple zones from outer perimeters to internal areas of the venue.
He said specialised units will also be deployed at entry points to screen for illegal substances and other prohibited items.
“The entry point, which is the middle quadrant, is where we usually deploy our K9, to have only one entry point, in which our FDDU is being deployed for drugs purposes. And to avoid weapons being dropped to the ground. And in the quadrant, the officers are looking after the games themselves. There is no kind of security thing that happens or takes place on the ground.”
ACP Vusonilawe says while security will cover all aspects of the event, drug detection remains a key priority.
So we are ready. The Fiji police are ready to facilitate the security of the Coca-Cola games. But more on the lookout in terms of drugs.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the upcoming Coca-Cola Games will place strong emphasis on student safety and maintaining a drug-free environment.
“I requested that our team be part of the committee to discuss the operations of the Coca-Cola Games. The approval that has been given from the Ministry includes specific criteria in terms of ensuring the safety of our students. So, that is paramount in the organisation of the event. In terms of the in and out of students during and after the games, that is also part of the discussion that our team is going to have with the organisers to ensure that the safety and the game is a drug-free event.”
With thousands of students expected to attend, the three-day event, police are also calling on parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children during the event.
Police say the heightened deployment is aimed at ensuring a safe and secure environment for athletes, officials, and spectators throughout the Games….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Nukuhetulu FC finish their qualifying campaign with victory
RAROTONGA, 29 APRIL 2026 (OFC) —Nukuhetulu FC claimed a 5-0 victory over PanSa FC to close out their campaign at the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying in the Cook Islands.
Both sides entered their final fixture in hopes of a positive finish to their 2026 campaign, after losses to hosts Puaikura FC in their previous matches. It was an intense and physical contest from the opening whistle with both teams sharing possession and pushing forward in search of chances.
Nukuhetulu FC’s attacking pressure was met by a stubborn PanSa defence, with several attempts denied. Goalkeeper Rayxena Foma’i, who donned the Captain’s armband for their final match, produced a number of strong saves in goal as Tongan internationals Lositika Feke and Sophiana Moala continued to threaten up front.
The breakthrough came when Foma’i was caught out of position allowing Tema Tonga to strike home and give Nukuhetulu the lead. A second followed soon with the PanSa keeper again caught off her line, as Feke and Moala combined in open space before the latter finished to double the lead.
PanSa’s Wendolynn Tua and Meleane Naa threatened with chances, as they pushed for their first goal of the tournament, but were unable to find a finish with captain Carollyne Fotu having a strong performance in goal.
The Tongan side put the result beyond doubt with a dominant second-half display. Their third coming from a Grystal Fotu penalty in the 53rd minute, before substitute Sikini Taulama added a fourth to extend the lead.
Fotu would seal the result in stoppage time scoring a fifth as Nukuhetulu FC claimed second at the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 – Qualifying, as both sides bow out.
Nukuhetulu FC: 5 (Tema TONGA 23′, Sophiana MOALA 27′, Grystal FOTU (P) 53′, 90+5, Sikini TAULAMA 63′)
PanSa FC: 0
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
PNG rugby league Player transfer rules tightened
PORT MORESBY, 29 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Player transfers in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup have been tightened amid growing concerns over how athletes switch clubs and whether proper processes are being followed.
PNGRFL general manager pathways and performance, Tony Archer, told The National that while a system already exists, it has not been strong or consistent enough, prompting new reforms.
Under the current model, players are contracted directly to clubs for agreed periods ranging from one to three seasons or longer. These contracts are registered with the league, and once they expire, players are free to move.
However, transfers during active contracts are more complex, requiring agreement between the player, their current club, and often negotiations between both clubs.
The issue was serious enough to be raised at the annual general meeting involving all 12 club chairmen. A key outcome was the push to introduce a standardised contract system across the competition to close loopholes. Archer explained that the new system will clearly outline terms and conditions for every player, ensuring protection for both clubs and athletes.
“For clubs, it will help control player movement and prevent unexpected departures.
“For players, it will guarantee fair treatment, proper support, and transparency in their contracts,” he said.
The reform signals a shift towards a more professional competition but also highlights underlying challenges. Clubs are under increasing pressure not only to retain talent but also to invest in developing their own players.
Archer said each club is now expected to build strong development pathways, including Under-17, Under-19, and women’s youth programmes.
This focus on development may prove to be the long-term solution to player movement issues, reducing reliance on recruiting from rival clubs and instead producing home-grown talent…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
Trills re-signs – Force & Wallaroos legend returns for unfinished business
PERTH, 29 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY,COM.AU)—The Western Force is rapt to confirm the re-signing of former Wallaroos superstar and long-term captain Trilleen Pomare for the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
Pomare, who turned 33 earlier this month, is the Force’s most capped player in Super W with 32 appearances dating back to the side’s first-ever game in 2018.
The Wanneroo inside-centre has captained the Force’s Super W across five seasons from 2021 to 2025.
Pomare’s impact hasn’t slowed down, claiming her maiden Rebecca Clough medal in 2025 following an outstanding campaign where she also won the Members’ MVP.
The 33-year-old proud Māori was born in Auckland before she moved to Perth in her teens, where she took up rugby and has become an integral figure in the WA rugby community.
Pomare’s re-signing also comes after she retired from international rugby following last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Pomare ended her Wallaroos career with 43 caps, the second highest in team history at the time, and having appeared at three World Cups.
Her passion for WA rugby was underlined by returning to Perth after the World Cup and competing in the North vs South Women’s Series, which was named after her, the Pomare Shield.
Force Super W head coach Dylan Parsons, who previously called Pomare the “heart and soul” of the team was thrilled with her re-signing.
Parsons said: “Trills signing is one we want every year, as long as she’s willing to keep pulling on the boots.
“She’s so important to our team with what she brings both on and off the field. She’s given a lot to this team, the club and also Australian rugby.
“To have such a strong 2026 Super W season, and to now be able to focus on the Western Force is exciting after all her achievements with the national team.
“For Trill, to have one rugby focus while also managing her professional work is exciting for the Western Force to see how she’s able to perform. She has come back from the break energised, and we are looking forward to seeing how that translates to backing up her outstanding form from last season.”
The re-signing of Pomare rounds out the Force’s 2026 primary Super W squad of 32 members, ahead of the season start in early June.
Tickets are on sale now for the Force’s next home game against the Queensland Reds on Saturday 16 May 5:35pm via Ticketmaster – the Club’s zero2hero Charity Game. Book here.
Trilleen Pomare
DOB: 5/4/1993
Position: Inside-centre/fly-half
WA club: Wanneroo
Force career: 2018- (32 caps, 6 tries)
2026 Western Force Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s squad
Katalina Amosa, Adi Vani Buleki, Halley Derera, Ai Dickson, Nami Dickson, Zoe Elliott, Grace Freeman, Atawhai Hotene, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard, Teiana Mainwaring, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Chiharu Nezuka, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Ella Pietsch, Trilleen Pomare, Seina Saito, Allana Sikimeti, Cecilia Smith, Anneka Stephens, Kahurangi Sturmey, Sofaia Talemaira, Pia Tapsell, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Kylah-Rey Tuheke Kupa, Braxton Walker, Taylor Waterson, Aiysha Wigley, Sammy Wood…PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: NEWSROOM PACNEWS: Wed 29 Apr 2026
With Moana Pasifika’s demise who will rise to shape Pacific rugby’s future?
Pacific peoples are central to the imagery, emotion, and labour of rugby, but remain peripheral to the real centres of power and authority
By Caleb Marsters
AUCKLAND, 29 APRIL 2026 (NEWSROOM)—News that Moana Pasifika ends at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season has come as a punch to rugby and left the Pacific community reeling. The franchise mattered because among other things, it gave Pacific people more than a team to support. It gave Pacific communities a glimpse of institutional presence. It’s loss demonstrates, once again, that though we may be visible everywhere Pacific peoples have yet to control the conditions of that visibility or success.
That is important. Pacific peoples have always been present in elite rugby, and sustained the game on and off the field. What has been far less common is Pacific control over the institutions that profit from that effort, sacrifice, and pride.
So when Moana Pasifika was established in 2022, it was not simply another jersey, or another brand or ad campaign. To Pacific people, including myself, it represented the possibility that we might not only feature in New Zealand rugby, but also organise, lead, and govern a professional franchise of our own, in our own way.
News that the franchise is set to leave Super Rugby Pacific should not diminish the work done by those who fought to bring Moana Pasifika into being. Creating a Super Rugby pathway for Pacific players in New Zealand and across the islands was a significant achievement, and one that deserved more than symbolic support.
That is why this exit has hit Pacific rugby communities and fans so hard.
It reveals that Pacific peoples can be central to the imagery, emotion, and labour of the game, and still remain peripheral to the real centres of power and authority. We can be celebrated culturally while being structurally vulnerable. We can be visible everywhere and still not control the conditions of that visibility or success.
That is the harder truth sitting underneath the grief.
Moana Pasifika chief executive Debbie Sorensen, who is also chief executive of Pasifika Medical Association which owns the Super Rugby club (though it operates within NZR’s broader licensing and governance framework), has said that with annual running costs of $10-$12 million (US$10.88 million – US$7.05 million), the franchise is not financially viable beyond 2026 without new investment
Tracy Atiga, CEO of Pacific-led rugby consortium Kanaloa Rugby, has since publicly claimed it had the funding, the plan, and the people to step in, but that its buyout proposal was not accepted. Atiga says it still does not know exactly why, while Sorensen has also suggested there was a disconnect between parties. Whatever the full story turns out to be, these developments raise serious questions about governance, accountability, and who is trusted to shape Pacific rugby’s future.
And that is where this moves beyond sentiment.
Too often, Pacific inclusion in sport is described as proof that the rugby system is working. A Pacific team enters the competition, Pacific symbols and languages are elevated, Pacific players and communities see themselves reflected, and the story quickly becomes one of progress.
But progress for whom, and on whose terms? If the deeper structures of ownership, resourcing, governance, and authority remain largely untouched, what is being celebrated is not transformation. It is what’s known as managed inclusion.
And managed inclusion is always conditional. It lasts only so long as those who already hold power are comfortable with it.
This is why the questions raised around Kanaloa’s involvement matter. This is not to suggest every rejected bid is evidence of a conspiracy, or that Pacific-led ownership should be romanticised as beyond critique. It’s because the pattern is too familiar.
Pacific peoples are regularly trusted to perform, inspire, and represent, but we are far less trusted to own, govern, and control. Power, and lack thereof, reveals itself in who gets funded, who experiences barriers and delays, who gets ring-fenced, who gets described as credible, and which franchises are treated as necessary versus too risky.
This is not racism in the malicious sense, the type we are most comfortable recognising. It is structural racism, built into the design of settler colonial societies like ours. That means even well-meaning actions can still reproduce unequal outcomes.
Investment is never just about figures on a spreadsheet. It is also about trust, legitimacy, and institutional comfort. Capital flows towards those systems we recognise as safe, stable, and familiar, often dressed up as the neutral wisdom of the market. If change is not matched by a deliberate strategy to address the deep structural racial hierarchies this country is built on, we will keep circling back to the same place.
Compare Moana Pasifika with Fiji Drua, a professional rugby union team based in Nadi, Fiji that competes in the Super Rugby. Australia backed the Drua’s Super Rugby entry with AUD$1.8m (US$1.29 million) through PacificAus Sports in 2021 and followed with a four-year AUD$14.2m (US$10.19 million) rugby partnership to support pathways and high-performance development.
Just as importantly, the Drua is anchored in Fiji Rugby Union, not folded into New Zealand Rugby or Rugby Australia. This is not to say the Drua model is perfect or outside the realm of power or geopolitics (nothing in Pacific sport is) but it shows what things can look like when real money, real structure, and clearer local control are put behind the idea.
This is why the exit of Moana Pasifika cannot be brushed off as simple financial reality. Yes, Super Rugby is under pressure more broadly; the Hurricanes have admitted that, for many franchises, the current model makes it difficult to break even without finals revenue.
The question is not only whether money is tight but also why a Pacific franchise appeared to occupy such a fragile place in the system. That points us away from the comforting language of financial constraint, and towards the harder realities of governance, allocation, and institutional priority.
Moana was trying to establish itself in a saturated Auckland market while competing for attention, audiences, sponsorship, and corporate support alongside entrenched franchises. In that kind of setting, a Pacific team cannot survive on symbolism alone, or on borrowed goodwill, inspirational language, and financially stretched Pacific communities. It needs long-term institutional backing and room to breathe.
That is why this is not just a rugby story. It is about whether Pacific inclusion is still about providing the face, labour, and culture while others retain control.
This moment should force a reckoning….PACNEWS
Caleb Marsters is a senior lecturer in Māori and Pacific Studies, Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Auckland
