Moana Pasifika enters the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season shaped as much by absence as ambition, with the departure of Ardie Savea looming over the campaign. 

Savea, ranked the No. 1 player in the world by FloRugby, will not feature this season, as he takes a sabbatical with the Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One, leaving a significant void for a side still searching for consistency.

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That absence comes after a 2025 season in which Moana Pasifika finished seventh with a 6-8 record, remaining competitive through much of the campaign without breaking into the playoff positions. 

The year underscored the team’s physicality and growth, but also how reliant on momentum and leadership the team became in close contests.

It was the best season in the team's short history. 

As Moana Pasifika moves into 2026, the focus turns toward adaptation. 

Head coach Tana Umaga continues to lead the program, but the loss of the world’s top-ranked player forces a recalibration across the squad. 

Based in Auckland at North Harbour Stadium, Moana Pasifika begins the season defined by how the squad responds without its most influential presence on the field.

Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Pacific Schedule 2026

• Feb. 13: 10:35 p.m.: Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika
• Feb. 20: 1:05 a.m.: Hurricanes vs. Moana Pasifika
• Feb. 27: 1:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Western Force
• March 6: 1:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika
• March 14: 10:35 p.m.: Blues vs. Moana Pasifika
• March 21: 2:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Crusaders
• March 27: 2:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders
• April 10: 10:05 p.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs
• April 17: 5:35 a.m.: NSW Waratahs vs. Moana Pasifika
• April 25: 10 p.m.: Highlanders vs. Moana Pasifika
• May 2: 3:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Blues
• May 9: 3:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Hurricanes
• May 22: 12:35 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Queensland Reds
• May 29: 12:35 a.m.: ACT Brumbies vs. Moana Pasifika

What Did Moana Pasifika Do In 2025?

Moana Pasifika finished seventh in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific standings with a 6-8 record and 28 points, ending the season just outside the playoff positions after a competitive regular season.

2025 Super Rugby Pacific Standings

1. Chiefs, 11–3 (51 points)
2. Crusaders, 11–3 (49 points)
3. ACT Brumbies, 9–5 (44 points)
4. Hurricanes, 8–1–5 (39 points)
5. Queensland Reds, 8–6 (38 points)
6. Blues, 6–8 (33 points)
7. Moana Pasifika, 6–8 (28 points)
8. NSW Waratahs, 6–8 (26 points)
9. Western Force, 4–1–9 (23 points)
10. Fijian Drua, 4–10 (20 points)
11. Highlanders, 3–11 (20 points)

The Moana Pasifika Coach Is Tana Umaga

Tana Umaga is the head coach of Moana Pasifika, continuing to lead the Auckland-based side into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

When Does The Super Rugby Pacific Season Start?

The 30th season of Super Rugby begins with Round 1 on Feb. 13, with the first game being in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET. 

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