Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga states that uncertainty over the club’s future beyond this month weighs heavily on players, contributing to subpar on-field results after a recent heavy defeat in Super Rugby Pacific.

The franchise serves as a key professional pathway for Tongan, Samoan, and Cook Islands talent. Players and staff await positive news from New Zealand Rugby on a potential license purchase. Current owners plan to halt funding at the season’s end in June.

Playoff Hopes Dashed Amid Mounting Pressure

Eliminated from playoffs with just two games remaining before a potential closure, the team shows clear signs of stress in performances. A 50-17 loss to table leaders Wellington Hurricanes in Auckland on Saturday marked Moana Pasifika’s 11th straight defeat, leaving them rooted to the bottom.

Umaga, ex-All Blacks captain, highlights solid effort from players but notes lapses in focus. “We have faith that something will come through but it’s a tough time at the moment for a lot of our boys, trying to concentrate on playing rugby while there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding us,” Umaga told reporters. “We don’t stop trying but we’re not happy with that score. We’ll lick our wounds, go back and refresh and we might get some good news. Hopefully we’ll know soon enough.”

Hurricanes Surge Ahead with Eight-Try Rout

The Hurricanes notched their sixth 50-point-plus haul, widening their standings lead to five points over Waikato Chiefs. In rainy conditions, they ran in eight tries, including four from winger Josh Moorby.

Moana Pasifika limited Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo, who stayed on 15 season tries. Coach Clark Laidlaw commended Moorby: “It’ll cheer him up because he’s been a bit miserable with the other guys scoring tries. One thing about Josh is his work rate and energy. He’s always there on the inside or for an offload. He reaped the benefits of that work ethic.”