Moana Pasifika 2026
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A premium article but the major 'revelation' is:
The Herald understands NZR voiced concerns that by joining Moana, Savea would become a less effective player; that his game would go backwards in an inferior programme and that he would, as a result, not be fit-for-purpose for the All Blacks.
It is understood these fears, and a lack of trust, led to Savea being presented with two contract options.
The first involved a guaranteed All Blacks top-up – the significant six-figure payment NZR makes to leading New Zealand players beyond their Super Rugby salaries – with the Hurricanes.
The second, should he join Moana, stipulated a portion of his All Blacks top-up was deemed “at risk” with key performance indicators to determine whether he would receive his full salary.
“They were stinging up to 20% of his total retainer,” the source familiar with negotiations told the Herald. “The quantum remained the same but they built in at-risk components.”
@Mr-Fish said in Moana Pasifika 2026:
A premium article but the major 'revelation' is:
The Herald understands NZR voiced concerns that by joining Moana, Savea would become a less effective player; that his game would go backwards in an inferior programme and that he would, as a result, not be fit-for-purpose for the All Blacks.
It is understood these fears, and a lack of trust, led to Savea being presented with two contract options.
The first involved a guaranteed All Blacks top-up – the significant six-figure payment NZR makes to leading New Zealand players beyond their Super Rugby salaries – with the Hurricanes.
The second, should he join Moana, stipulated a portion of his All Blacks top-up was deemed “at risk” with key performance indicators to determine whether he would receive his full salary.
“They were stinging up to 20% of his total retainer,” the source familiar with negotiations told the Herald. “The quantum remained the same but they built in at-risk components.”
Seems they encouraged him to be better. Oh the horror.
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In three of those years, PMA used the Whānau Ora contract to directly bolster Moana Pasifika’s finances, by $770,000 per annum in 2022/23 and in 2023/24.
The use of Whānau Ora funds for a professional rugby team is quietly contentious, especially among Pasifika health service providers, though none spoke to the Herald for attribution.
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The new version of the contract carries more stringent requirements to measure the benefits that the money buys; the rugby team and its benefits would need to stack up against more bread-and-butter health and wellness services such as medical clinics, infant inoculations, education, and training.
You mean, like, actual health outcomes?
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Makes one wonder if the Canes don't have superior training and conditioning to Moana?!
@nostrildamus said in Moana Pasifika 2026:
Makes one wonder if the Canes don't have superior training and conditioning to Moana?!
The Canes have the best facilities in the country, fitness hasn’t been an issue.
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MP's best hope is the relative success of this season and the feel good vibes around the team will entice a independent investor to secure their future, as opposed to leaning on a charity diverting funds from the community the team represents to instead prop up 38 almost-professional rugby players
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Tevita Ofa extends -
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Sounds like Jimmy Tupou will land at Moana in 2026.
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Proximity to his son will likely get Peni across the line at MP.
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Proximity to his son will likely get Peni across the line at MP.
@SouthernMann Northland also a possibility for NPC in 2026 as the Taniwha coach had Faletoi at New England in the MLR
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@SouthernMann Northland also a possibility for NPC in 2026 as the Taniwha coach had Faletoi at New England in the MLR
@Steven-Harris said in Moana Pasifika 2026:
@SouthernMann Northland also a possibility for NPC in 2026 as the Taniwha coach had Faletoi at New England in the MLR
Would be a good get for Northland. What about going back to CM?
From a Highlanders perspective, it could mean Tayne Harvey will get a decent look at the 12 jersey for the Stags.
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@Steven-Harris said in Moana Pasifika 2026:
@SouthernMann Northland also a possibility for NPC in 2026 as the Taniwha coach had Faletoi at New England in the MLR
Would be a good get for Northland. What about going back to CM?
From a Highlanders perspective, it could mean Tayne Harvey will get a decent look at the 12 jersey for the Stags.
@SouthernMann that’s a good point as he does have ties to CM I do know he has whānau in the Manukau & West Auckland area
Personally as much as I would love to see Faletoi up at Northland I hope he stays with the Stags ,looks like he’s enjoying his time in the deep south it still beggars belief that his obvious talent up this way was overlooked simply because of perception . -
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Super Rugby 2026:
Moana Pasifika
Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu
Hooker: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samieula Moli
Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage
Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Tupou Afungia
Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini
First five: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu
Outside backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
