Former All Blacks Pulu, Laumape headline Moana Pasifika’s 2026 Super Rugby Pacific squad

Former All Blacks Augustine Pulu and Ngani Laumape will feature for Moana Pasifika in the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

Also joining the squad is Chiefs utility forward Jimmy Tupou.

One of the biggest names missing from the 2026 lineup is 2025 captain Ardie Savea, who will be playing in Japan next season before returning to Moana Pasifika in 2027.

Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says they have a good mix of experience and youth joining the team for 2026.

He says they want to build on what they achieved in 2025 and are not resting on their laurels.

Moana Pasifika finished in the top eight this year, their best finish since their debut season in 2022.

The side recorded wins against the Crusaders, Highlanders, Waratahs, Hurricanes, Blues, and the Fijian Drua.

Moana Pasifika 2026 squad

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

[Source: RNZ]