Moana Pasifika’s highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Gallagher Chiefs, originally scheduled for Nuku’alofa, Tonga, has been relocated to Pukekohe due to logistical challenges, including delays in the installation of floodlights at Teufaiva Stadium. The match will now take place at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 7:05 pm.
This decision has been met with disappointment from rugby fans in Tonga, who were eager to see Moana Pasifika play on home soil. Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen acknowledged the frustration but emphasised the organisation’s commitment to bringing a game to Tonga in the future.
“Our hearts are in the Pacific and that is where we want to be, but it wasn’t possible for this fixture due to things that were out of our hands,” Sorensen told RNZ Pacific. “It’s sad to say that we can’t make it happen this time but are already looking at how we can take a game to Tonga in 2026.”
The Chiefs, who were also looking forward to playing in Tonga, expressed their support for future games in the region. “Playing in the Pacific Islands is always a highlight for us,” said Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis told RNZ Sport. “We were really looking forward to playing in Tonga, which is why we are supportive of playing there in 2026 if Moana Pasifika schedules another home game in Nuku’alofa.”
Tonga Rugby Union CEO Aisea 'Aholelei told RNZ Pacific that the game’s cancellation was due to delays in floodlight installation at Teufaiva Stadium. “The installation of floodlights is being delayed and there were concerns that would affect the 6 pm kick-off,” he said.
The Economic Reality of Hosting Games in the Pacific
Beyond the logistical issues, former Moana Pasifika CEO Pelenato Sakalia has previously spoken about the financial challenges of bringing Super Rugby games to the Pacific Islands. He pointed out that while the Fijian Drua have successfully hosted games in Fiji, the economic disparities between Fiji and other Pacific nations like Tonga and Samoa make it more difficult for smaller nations to accommodate major rugby events.
“When you have a look at the economic disparities between even Fiji and the likes of Tonga and Samoa, you look at the differences in infrastructure, the economic trades, the financial assistance that comes into Fiji relative to what comes into Samoa and Tonga—it’s really challenging,” Sakalia said.
With a population of approximately 100,000 in Tonga and 250,000 in Samoa, the lack of scale to support specialist support services and infrastructure remains a significant hurdle.
Moana Pasifika Brings the Pacific to Pukekohe
Although the team won’t be playing in Tonga this time, Moana Pasifika will still aim to deliver a thrilling rugby spectacle in Pukekohe. This will be their first of two home games at Navigation Homes Stadium this season. On April 19, they will face the Brumbies at the same venue, reinforcing their commitment to engaging with the South Auckland and Counties Manukau rugby communities.
This relocation also reignites discussions about the need for a dedicated Super Rugby facility in South Auckland—an issue we previously covered when Moana Pasifika announced their move to North Harbour Stadium as their home ground. Many have argued that a permanent South Auckland venue would better serve the team and its Pacific fanbase, providing a true home for Moana Pasifika in the heart of Auckland’s Pacific community.
With the Pukekohe fixtures now set, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to witness what promises to be an exciting clash between Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs. While the dream of playing in Tonga is on hold for now, Moana Pasifika remains steadfast in their goal of bringing Super Rugby to the Pacific in the future.
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