Moana Pasifika has cancelled its highly anticipated Round Nine Super Rugby Pacific fixture against the Chiefs in Tonga after being unable to secure the funding and sponsorship required to host the match at Teufaiva Stadium.
The game, originally scheduled for 11 April in Nuku’alofa, will now be relocated to an alternative venue.
The franchise confirmed the decision this week following months of attempts to bring Super Rugby back to Tonga.
According to multiple reports, Moana Pasifika made “every effort” to progress with the event but ultimately could not meet the significant financial demands required to stage a match in the Pacific.
Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen said the decision was heartbreaking for players, supporters, and especially families in Tonga.
“We have explored every avenue possible to try and make it work, but unfortunately we were unable to secure the necessary sponsorship to bring this game to Tonga. The challenge we face is that we are not funded to bring any games to the Pacific region, and we believe we should be,” Sorensen said.
She added that despite the setback, the organisation remained committed to developing rugby pathways and hosting future fixtures in the islands.
“While we are heartbroken for our team, our fans, and especially our families in Tonga, we remain hopeful and deeply committed to growing the game in the region. We look forward to opportunities to bring world‑class rugby to Tonga and other Pacific countries as soon as possible.”
The franchise has previously delivered successful matches in the Pacific, including Apia in 2023 and Nuku’alofa in 2024.
However, Sorensen said Moana Pasifika currently receives no dedicated financial support to take games to the region—an issue echoed by Pacific rugby leaders.
Tonga Rugby Union CEO Aisea Aholelei said he understood the challenges Moana Pasifika faced, noting that Tonga itself must rely on major sponsorship to host any financially viable match.
“Whenever we want to play a game here in Tonga, it’s always a loss-making exercise unless a significant sponsor comes our way,” Aholelei said.
Moana Pasifika is now working with Super Rugby Pacific, New Zealand Rugby, and the Chiefs to secure a replacement venue for the Round Nine fixture.
As discussions continue, Pacific leaders and supporters are renewing calls for equitable investment in rugby across the islands.
Many argue that despite producing world‑class players for global competitions, Pacific nations remain underfunded and overlooked when it comes to hosting major events.
