Pacific Rugby Players

Last Thursday at Eden Park, the 2026 Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame brought together legends who defined an era. The night brought together past, present, and future icons from across Pasifika Rugby.

Congratulations to all inductees and all those who were recognised with awards. Nights like this are so important to celebrate Pasifika success with legends being recognised, culture being honoured, and the next generation being inspired. 🌴✨

📷: PasifikaHOF

Moana Pasifika are set to face the Chiefs this Friday at FMG Stadium, still searching for their first win of the 2026 campaign

Frank Lomani is the Player of the week for last weekends games!

Frank had a superb game in an upset win against the Hurricanes that saw him also shift to the wing. His defensive effort in the last 20 minutes on the wing helped seal the deal for the Drua's first win of the 2026 campaign 🔥

Temo Mayanavanua and Miracle Faiʻilagi are your Pasifika Players of the Week!

Both had Captain knocks in what was another end-to-end game in the Battle of the Pacific. Miracle announced himself on the big stage with a hat-trick in Moana’s win over the Drua 40-26, whilst Temo also bagged a meat pie on debut for the Drua.

These two are set for a big season ahead 🔥🌴

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign kicks off this weekend with a blockbuster Pacific derby, as Fijian Drua host Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

The match is set to be the fifth season of rivalry between the two Pasifika franchises, with their head-to-head record now perfectly balanced heading into this crucial encounter 🔥

22 more days until Round 1 💪🏾

Some great insight on Moana Pasifika’s new captain, the Miracle Man.

“When Ardie Savea announced he would miss the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with Moana Pasifika for a sabbatical in Japan at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Tana Umaga was in search of a new inspirational leader.

Look no further than Hawke’s Bay’s Miracle Faiilagi, who has played 30 times for Moana Pasifika and four Tests for Manu Samoa.

“Faiilagi was brought up in Vailele and Uafato in Samoa, before playing for Vailele Rugby Club, Samoa Sevens and the Taula Eels in the lead up to being scouted by Moana Pasifika coaches at the now defunct World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva in 2022.

“Being named captain for the same franchise that gave him his Super Rugby Pacific debut is a massive moment for the 26-year-old, following on from Savea, who captained the team proudly in 2025.

For the barnstorming loose-forward, he told media in Auckland on Tuesday afternoon that it’s a huge moment for him and his family.

“It’s a huge step up for me, it’s really a special moment for me and my family,” Faiilagi said.

The 26-year-old was born in Samoa, and his parents named him Miracle because of the family situation during birth, where his father was in surgery at the same time.

“Long story short, it’s kind of a miracle in my family. My mum was giving birth at the same time my dad had a surgery, so when I was born, my dad finished his surgery as well,” the new captain said to media in Auckland on Tuesday.

Read the full article here: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/new-moana-pasifika-captain-on-background-story-and-first-name/

🖊️: Henry Lee

Tickets are on sale for the historic Battle of Fiji between the Fijian Drua and the Skipper XV Select on Friday 6 February at Churchill Park, Lautoka, kicking off at 4pm (FJT).

The match will be played for the Sun Bell Trophy as part of the Drua’s pre-season ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Get down and support the teams 🇫🇯

Introducing Louena Tupa — Our New PDM for Japan! 🇯🇵🇹🇴

We’re thrilled to welcome Louena Tupa to the Pacific Rugby Players team.
Proudly Tongan, Louena brings years of lived experience from supporting her husband’s professional rugby career. She understands first-hand the challenges Pacific players face in Japan, including cultural differences, financial decisions, contract renewals, and preparing for life after rugby.

Louena is passionate about helping players build strong support systems, stay grounded in their identity, and succeed both on and off the field. She aims to create community meetups, offer practical guidance, and support players in their long-term planning.

Her message for players: “You’re not alone. We’re here to help you succeed.”

Welcome to the team, Louena!

🌺 Introducing Susana Baleinadogo, PDM for France and the United Kingdom 🇫🇷🇬🇧🇫🇯

Pacific Rugby Players is proud to welcome Susana Baleinadogo to our team as Personal Development Manager for France and the United Kingdom.

Originally from the village of Lawaki, Nairai with maternal ties to Naisausau, Namara Tailevu in Fiji, Susana has lived in France since 2010 supporting her husband’s rugby career. With nearly twenty years of experience working alongside Fijian and Pasifika communities across Fiji, Japan, and France, she brings deep cultural understanding and lived experience to this role.

“It is a privilege to be appointed to this role. I have been supporting Fijian players on my own initiative for some time and now in a formal position, I am able to contribute my experience in France to better support new, current and former players and their families. Importantly, my role extends to supporting all Pasifika players not just those from Fiji.”

Susana understands the challenges of living and playing overseas, from cultural and language adjustment to mental wellbeing and elite competition pressures. Her message to players is simple and reassuring. You are not alone. Support is here.

We are honoured to have Susana supporting our players across France and the United Kingdom.

🌺 ANNOUNCEMENT: PLAYER REP – NEW BOARD MEMBER 🌺

Pacific Rugby Players is honoured to welcome Bitila Tawake to our Board - our first female player representative from Fiji! 🇫🇯

A two-time Super W champion with , World Cup representative, and fearless advocate for player welfare, Bitila brings the voice that Pacific rugby needs.

💬 "I want to create an equal playing field for women and men. I want to use sport as a vehicle to change mindsets about women's rugby and player welfare."

As someone who's been vocal about payment issues and systemic challenges facing Pacific Island players, Bitila knows what it takes to fight for change. Now, she's bringing that same passion to PRP's board.

🏉 Her message to Pacific players: "Rugby is a beautiful sport! You get to go to places you've never imagined. It comes with sacrifices and challenges. Don't give up. It's part of the journey to fall, but you always must get up."

Welcome to the team, Bitila. Let's make some noise! 📣