Listen & read
Moana Pasifika faces disbandment after the current season as financial backing disappears, leaving players scrambling for new teams. This situation raises significant concerns about the future of Pacific rugby.
Former All Blacks players Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina, and Stephen Donald highlight the critical need for intervention from World Rugby. Muliaina expresses disappointment over Moana's struggles, stating that the team was set up with emotional intent but lacked proper financial support. He emphasizes the necessity for discussions around investment from New Zealand and World Rugby to secure the club's future.
Donald echoes these sentiments, asserting that World Rugby must step up, especially with the Rugby World Cup expanding to include a knockout stage. He warns that without a viable Moana Pasifika, Tonga and Samoa risk losing their status as competitive rugby nations.
Wilson adds that it’s not New Zealand Rugby’s responsibility to fund Moana Pasifika, arguing that the club deviated from its original purpose of nurturing Pacific talent. The fate of Moana Pasifika now hangs in the balance, with urgent discussions needed on how to save it and support the broader Pacific rugby community.
Comments (0)