New Zealand government steps in to try and save Super Rugby franchise

On May 25, shareholders voted to wind up the franchise, with Teneo Financial Advisory appointed to manage the liquidation process.

The franchise's majority owners, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), have already stated they are no longer in a position to provide financial backing for the team.

Last week, it was revealed that a consortium led by former All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino had lodged a second bid to purchase Moana Pasifika. The situation has since taken another significant development.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced on Monday that government officials have been directed to begin discussions with New Zealand Rugby and other key stakeholders in a bid to secure the franchise's future.

“Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand and Polynesian culture and Moana Pasifika’s future is important to the governments and people of Samoa and Tonga, as well as to New Zealand’s Pacific communities and rugby fans,” Peters said.

“It would be seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons and we want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team.

“Accordingly, we have instructed our officials to engage with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders with urgency to explore all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika."

Peters recently held talks with Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt and Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, with the future of Moana Pasifika among the key issues discussed.

The team recorded an impressive victory over the Brumbies in Canberra in the final round of the season. Without a successful outcome to the ongoing negotiations, that match could prove to be the franchise's last.

The win was only the 15th in the club's 70 Super Rugby matches, with limited on-field success regarded as one of the major factors contributing to its current predicament.

The team's inability to regularly stage home fixtures in Samoa or Tonga has also hindered its development, while attendances at matches in New Zealand have generally failed to meet expectations.

Should no buyer emerge, Moana Pasifika may be forced to fold, reducing the Super Rugby competition to 10 teams following the Melbourne Rebels' collapse several years ago.

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