Moana Pasifika Pulls Off Historic Signing of Ardie Savea
Moana Pasifika have pulled off arguably the biggest signing coup in Super Rugby history by luring All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea to Auckland from his boyhood Hurricanes.
All Blacks No. 8 Ardie Savea Brings Massive Potential On and Off the Field
The addition of the All Blacks’ starting No. 8 and the reigning World Rugby player of the year is a huge statement of intent, and should have a massive impact both on and off the field.
Aiming Higher: Moana Pasifika’s Push to Improve Their Super Rugby Standing
Moana Pasifika have never finished higher than 11th and they have struggled to pull crowds since entering Super Rugby, but they will be hoping the arrival of Savea will dramatically improve both.
Significant New Signings Boost Moana Pasifika’s Depth and Experience
Tana Umaga’s team have made plenty of other significant gains too, picking up Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili from the Melbourne Rebels, signing first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop and winger Losi Filipo from the NPC-winning Wellington Lions and luring Solomon Alaimalo back to rugby following a stint with the Wests Tigers in the NRL.
Rugby Bloodlines: Tito Tuipulotu Joins Moana Pasifika
They have also signed Auckland prop Tito Tuipulotu, the younger brother of All Black Patrick Tuipulotu and Australian-born Tongan international first five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini.
Leadership Gap Filled: Savea to Lead Moana Pasifika into New Era
The signing of Savea will go a long way to filling the leadership void created by former Wallabies Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano’s retirements, while Moana Pasifika have lost halfback Ere Enari to the Hurricanes.
Moana Pasifika 2025 Squad
Props: Chris Apoua, Pone Fa’amausili, James Lay, Sione Mafileo, Abraham Pole, Tito Tuipulotu
Hookers: Tomasi Maka, Sama Malolo, Samiuela Moli
Locks: Allan Craig, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi
Loose forwards: Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Lotu Inisi, Alamanda Motuga, Semisi Paea, Irie Papuni, Ardie Savea
Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Melani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine
First five-eighths: Jackson Garden-Bachop, William Havili, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfielders: Solomon Alaimalo, Fine Inisi, Laomilo Laomilo, Julian Savea
Outside backs: Losi Filipo, Neria Fomai, Pepesana Patafilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Tuna Tuitama
Moana Pasifika’s Player Movements: Ins and Outs for the New Season
Ins: Solomon Alaimalo, Chris Apoua, Losi Filipo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini, Pone Fa’amausili, Ardie Savea, Tito Tuipulotu, Tuna Tuitama
Outs: Donald Brighthouse, Suetena Asomua, Ereatara Enari, Viliami Fine, Solomone Funaki, Sekope Kepu, Sateki Latu, D’Angelo Leuila, Christian Lealiifano, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Henry Taefu, Viliami Napa’a, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Comments