Super Rugby Pacific is staring down a major reset.
With Moana Pasifika set to fold at the end of the 2026 season, officials are scrambling to revive a competition battling what insiders describe as a “plummeting appeal”.
According to reports, a radical overhaul is on the table, including an expanded 18-match season, a double round-robin format and relaxed eligibility rules to keep top talent in the competition.
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The likely outcome is a streamlined 10-team tournament, with fresh thinking around player movement across the Tasman. The idea is to allow New Zealand players to turn out for Australian teams, and vice versa, without sacrificing selection for the All Blacks or Wallabies.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley has previously insisted the focus remains on strengthening the existing product rather than expansion.
“We’ve got a job to solidify and really contain and fortify what we have now,” Mesley said.
“So that is where our energy is focused on strengthening our existing clubs, ensuring that the fans understand what Super Rugby Pacific is today, the teams that are involved and the wonderful talent that we have.”
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But behind the scenes, pressure is mounting.
Broadcaster Stan Sport has reportedly floated a return to a conference system, which is a move that could guarantee Australian representation in the playoffs, while concerns remain over who really controls the competition’s future.
“We don’t think the commission has gone far enough,” one New Zealand Super Rugby CEO said. “More independence is needed. Jack’s been a breath of fresh air, and he’s had a great competition view, but anything that happens with the format is reserved for the national unions.
“Seldom do they talk about what’s of benefit for the Super Rugby competition. They see it as a development competition rather than a top-tier, commercial product. They’re not intentionally being difficult, but they can’t take their All Blacks and Wallabies hats off.”
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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Super Rugby Pacific is staring down a major reset.
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