Electrifying back Tevita Ofa has locked in his future with Moana Pasifika for the 2026 and 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
Since joining Moana Pasifika on a full-time contract for the 2025 season and making his debut against the Highlanders in round three, he has gone from strength to strength. An attacking weapon on the field, Ofa has impressed with his versatility, blistering pace and quick footwork picking the opposition defence apart.
“Being able to debut for a club that represents our people was a huge honour,” Ofa said. “To do it in front of our people at home and my family was a dream come true.”
“I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve built this year and the past few years before. I feel like we’ve got a lot to look forward to and still a lot to prove. We were so close to finals footy but the goal is to go all the way now and that’s what I’m aiming for in 2026.”
The 23-year-old is of Samoan descent through his mother and Tongan descent through his father. He was raised in Manurewa, South Auckland with three siblings and attended Wesley College.
Ofa started playing rugby at six years old and made his first representative team with the Counties Manukau Under 18s. He was also part of the Wesley College First XV in his final two years of school.
In 2024, he was a Chiefs replacement player and went on their preseason tour to Japan. He has been a huge part of the Counties Manukau Steelers, making his debut in 2022 and earning the 2024 Most Valuable Player Award.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “Tevita has been an exceptional addition to our team this year. Being young he carries himself with great maturity and work ethic.
“He exudes a team first mentality and has the tenacity and talent to have a long career. We’re excited to have him back on board.”
Ofa’s maiden start in Moana Pasifika’s historic win over the Crusaders was one to remember. He was a menace on both ends of the field and showed his speed on the wing with a remarkable breakthrough which led to a Patrick Pellegrini try.
His performance a month later in his team’s victory over the Fijian Drua was another memorable one. Ofa tallied 91 post contact metres, 188 metres gained, 12 tackles, five defenders beaten, four line breaks and an intercept try.
It was a major statement of his arrival in the competition and a sign of a bright future ahead.
ENDS
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