One of the biggest names msising is 2025 captain Ardie Savea, who will be in Japan for the season, before returning to Moana Pasifika in 2027. Photo: Andy Radka/ActionPress
Moana Pasifika have unveiled former All Blacks Augustine Pulu and Ngani Laumape as part of their squad for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga announced their names on Thursday.
Also joining the squad is Chiefs' utility forward Jimmy Tupou.
One of the biggest names msising is 2025 captain Ardie Savea, who will be in Japan for the season, before returning to Moana Pasifika in 2027.
"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."
The team finished in the top eight this year, their best finish since their debut in 2022. The side recorded wins against the Crusaders, Highlanders, Waratahs, Hurricanes, Blues and the Fijian Drua
Augustine Pulu (file image) Photo: Photosport
Pulu, who also plays for the 'Ikale Tahi Tonga national team, makes his return home after seven years in Japan.
He won two titles with the Chiefs and was part of the New Zealand Sevens team that competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Pulu said his desire to be a part of the unique Moana movement, and bringing his family home, 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. 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.
Laumape played in the National Provincial Championship for Manawatu. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Laumape, who also returned from Japan, played in the National Provincial Championship for Manawatu.
Tupou, who joins the team after a stint with the Chiefs, also played for the Blues and the Crusaders.
Umaga said having the experience of Pulu, Laumape, Tupou and another former All Black, Julian Savea will be good for the team.
"Also having fresh faces and the return of Miracle Faiilagi and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa just adds to that excitement around our rising stars of the competition," the former All Black star said.
"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.
"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."
Manu Samoa hooker Millennium Sanerivi becomes a fully contracted player, having joined the team on a development contract, and got to play in the competrition this year.
Southland Stags hero, 25 year old Faletoi Peni is a new signing in the backline and will have the steadying influence of ferocious midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo and Moana stalwart William Havili to learn from.
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 HavilIi
* - denotes uncapped player
