Moana Pasifika Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has named a talented and experienced group from the team’s historic 2025 campaign, with the addition of exciting young players ready to make their mark in 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
“We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth joining us for 2026,” Umaga said. “We want to build on what we already achieved in 2025 and we’re not resting on our laurels.”
Former All Black halfback Augustine Pulu makes his return home after seven years in Japan, to bolster the team. He is a two-time Super Rugby champion with the Chiefs and was part of the New Zealand Sevens team that competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The father of five says bringing his family home and his desire to be a part of the unique Moana movement, were major factors for his decision to sign with the team.
“Seeing what Moana has been doing, I always thought it would be cool to one day be a part of it,” Pulu said. “The Pacific pride, family and that feeling when we’re down or when we’re high we do it all together.
“Seeing what the boys did last year and hearing the experience that’s coming in and the younger guys who are still heading towards their peak. I think if we can put that together, it gives you a lot of confidence that we can go a step further than the previous season.
“Watching from overseas and seeing North Harbour Stadium packed out week in and week out … it just shows what giving love to our team can really do and I’m looking forward to playing in front of our fans,” Pulu said.
He is one of 13 uncapped players including former All Black star Ngani Laumape who also returns from Japan.
The forwards are spearheaded by the signing of veteran lock Jimmy Tupou who joins the team after a stint with the Chiefs. He adds valuable experience playing for the Blues, Crusaders and overseas. Tupou also led Counties Manukau to a ITM Cup title in 2012.
Umaga added: “Having the experience of the likes of Augustine Pulu, Ngani Laumape, Jimmy Tupou and Julian Savea will uplift the younger guys coming through.
“Also having fresh faces like Israel Leota, Faletoi Peni and the return of Miracle Faiilagi and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa just adds to that excitement around our rising stars of the competition.
“We also still have guys like Jonathan Taumateine and William Havili who have been with the club from day one and have experienced all the highs and lows. So it’s special to still have them on board,” Umaga said.
In addition new Manu Samoa hooker Millennium Sanerivi becomes a fully contracted player. He joined the team on a development contract and was propelled into a starting role for the 2025 season, impressing with his incredible work ethic and team-first mentality.
In the backs, Southland Stags hero Faletoi Peni will be one to watch. The 25-year-old first five was the 2024 Stags Rookie of the Year, and has won four consecutive club rugby titles.
Ferocious midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo returns for his third season with Moana Pasifika after a standout year. The extension of Moana stalwart William Havili brings anticipation for his 50th match milestone in the opening game, which will make him the first player to achieve the feat at the club.
Umaga said: “The movement continues for us and as the new season approaches, a new wave of players to our growing story. Building on what was done last year is important to us as well as maintaining our core Pasifika values and unique flavour.”
MOANA PASIFIKA 2026 SQUAD LIST
Uncapped player *
PROPS
Abraham Pole
Chris Apoua
Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou
Malakai Hala-Ngatai *
Paula Latu *
Tito Tuipulotu
HOOKERS
Mamoru Harada *
Millennium Sanerivi
Samiuela 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
MIDFIELDERS
Julian Savea
Lalomilo Lalomilo
Ngani Laumape *
Tevita Latu *
OUTSIDE BACKS
Glen Vaihu *
Israel Leota *
Solomon Alaimalo
Tevita Ofa
Tuna Tuitama
William Havili
ENDS
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