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Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika remain two of the most important teams in Super Rugby Pacific, not just for results, but for what they represent. Both sides carry cultural weight, distinct playing styles and typical polynesian pride and power. When they are competitive, the competition is richer for it.
Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika remain two of the most important teams in Super Rugby Pacific, not just for results, but for what they represent. Both sides carry cultural weight, distinct playing styles and typical polynesian pride and power. When they are competitive, the competition is richer for it.
The challenge for 2026 is evolution. Flair, physicality and passion have never been in doubt, but consistency, depth and execution under pressure remain the hurdles. Finals contention requires not just moments of brilliance, but sustained performance across long travel schedules and tight turnarounds. Moana Pasifika in particular are team once again rebuilding, after losing a majority of their squad. The loss of Kyren Taumoefolau will particularly sting. But they have brought in a genuine superstar in Ngani Laumape. Meanwhile, the Drua continue to unearth local players to add to their squad that are in hot demand from superclubs around the world.
Moana Pasifika head into 2026 in transition. With Ardie Savea on sabbatical and more than 20 players departing, this is clearly a reset year under Tana Umaga.
The arrival of Ngani Laumape provides much-needed midfield authority and leadership, while Mamoru Harada strengthens a key positional weakness at hooker. The backline is packed with raw talent, particularly on the wings, and Moana will trouble sides that underestimate their strike power in broken play.
However, winning the competition looks a step too far. Depth remains a concern, and the lack of experienced game-drivers without Savea could hurt them. Moana’s season is more likely to be defined by growth and statement wins than a sustained finals push.
New Players To Watch: Ngani Laumape, Israel Leota
2026 Squad:
Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu
Hooker: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samieula Moli
Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage
Back Row: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Tupou Afungia
Scrumhalves: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini
Flyhalves: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu
Outside backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
The Drua enter 2026 as the most stable and battle-hardened of the Pacific franchises with 13 players in the squad a apart of the inaugural Drua squad. Their recruitment has been smart rather than flashy, targeting experience in key areas while preserving the attacking identity that has made them one of the most dominant home teams in Super Rugby.
The return of Temo Mayanavanua is particularly significant. His leadership and physical authority give the Drua a level of control up front that has sometimes been missing in away fixtures. Combined with a settled loose forward group and a deep scrum-half rotation, the Drua now look better equipped to manage games rather than simply outscore opponents.
Where they still face questions is consistency outside Fiji. The talent is unquestionable, but winning tight matches on the road remains the final hurdle. They will be gunning to go deep into the finals.
New Players To Watch: Iosefo Namoce, Maika Tuitubou
2026 Squad:
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravi, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesu Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama
Lock: Angelo Smith, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (cc), Vilive Miramira
Back row: Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Joe Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray
Scrumhalves: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Flyhalves: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini
Midfield: Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Namoce, Joji Nasova, Maika Tuitubou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Outside Backs: Aisea Nawai, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese, Isikeli Basiyalo, Manasa Mataele, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro