Moana Pasifika unearths new talent
Moana Pasifika have named a squad with 38 of their 39 players experiencing Super Rugby during their inaugural year in the competition.
The squad boasts 26 players with international rugby experience for Pacific Island powerhouses Manu Samoa and ‘Ikale Tahi Tonga. The addition of Wallaby veterans Sekope Kepu and Christian Leali’ifano boosts the international player tally to 28.
Headlining the five new signings in the 2023 squad is Samoa-based loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi. The 23-year old was identified by head coach Aaron Mauger and forwards coach Leota Filo Tiatia at the World Rugby Pacific Combine held in Suva, Fiji.
The combine serves as a pathway to representing the Pacific Island national teams and provides exposure to a high-performance programme. The top athletes from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji assembled in September for an intensive training week to emulate a professional rugby environment.
Moana Pasifika’s coaching staff attended the combine with the intention of rewarding two players with training contracts for the 2023 preseason. However, Fai’ilagi impressed with his physical prowess, game intelligence and professionalism which saw him rewarded with a full contract.
Mauger is incredibly excited about bringing the Vailele native into a Super Rugby environment.
“Miracle is a natural leader who exudes humility, respect and tautua (service). He has represented Samoa in rugby sevens so has a solid fitness foundation, a high work rate and is hard-nosed.
“He isn’t afraid to put his head in to dark places and has a very high ceiling,” says Mauger.
“There was a lot of untapped talent at the combine and Miracle was one of several players that caught our eye.
“The way these young men responded to being in a professional environment for the first time was outstanding and we have rewarded another five players with pre-season training contracts from the combine.”
Four further players have earned themselves their first Super Rugby contracts after impressing as replacement players for Moana Pasifika in 2022.
Otago’s Abraham Pole joined Moana Pasifika as a permanent injury replacement in 2022 and played in nine matches, scoring four tries. He solidified his starting spot on the loosehead side of the scrum and is a deserved recipient of a full-time Super Rugby Pacific contract.
Another welcomed addition to the squad is uncompromising Manu Samoa first fiveeighth D’angelo Leuila. The 25-year-old is a versatile athlete who can also play in the midfield and fullback. Mauger
was impressed with his NPC form for Waikato this year.
Tasman Mako lock Mahonri Ngakuru and North Harbour loose forward Michael Curry are also elevated to full-time contracts for the 2023 season.
Moana Pasifika begin their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign on Saturday February 25 against the Fijian Drua in a match that has been dubbed the Battle of the Pacific.
Mauger is excited about the prospect of seeing the best of the Pacific on the field.
“It’s a dream to play the Drua in our first game and at home. It will be a celebration of all things Pasifika and a wonderful way to start the competition.”
Mauger is also eying the game in Apia on April 14 against the Queensland Reds as a special occasion.
“In the off-season we have made a conscious effort to strengthen our connection to the Pacific Islands through establishing tangible pathways. To connect, serve and inspire our people in the islands is at the forefront of everything we do.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for everyone involved and hopefully the first of many trips
to the Pacific.”