Green light for Pacific Islanders’ inclusion

PACIFIC islands teams Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua have been granted conditional licences to join a proposed Super Rugby competition alongside the New Zealand and Australian sides in 2022.

NZR said the Pacific teams’ participation was conditional on their final business plans and Rugby Australia’s support.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said: “We are moving into the final phase of planning for 2022 and beyond, and we have confidence that Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua will be able to meet the conditions of the licence, which includes final signoff on a sustainable business plan by June 30.

“In the next two months, we will be working with Rugby Australia and the two Pasifika teams to formalise their place in the new competition for what we believe will kick off an exciting, new era for the professional game.”

Rugby Australia said it was “encouraged” by the NZR announcement.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with NZR on this process as we plan towards 2022,” said Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos.

“Once further conditions around the licences have been met, we look forward to formalising the composition of the teams in what will hopefully prove a new dawn for rugby in the region.”

Fijian Drua, launched in 2017, compete in the lower tier Australian National Rugby Championship and won the title in 2018.

Fijian Drua are expected to be based in Fiji but Moana Pasifika, coached by Tana Umaga and comprised of players with Tonga and Samoan heritage, are likely to operate out of New Zealand due to cost concerns.

Founded last year, an invitational Moana Pasifika squad were beaten 28-21 by the Maori All Blacks in their inaugural match last December.

Governing body World Rugby last month pledged £1.2m annually over three years to help facilitate the entry of the Pacific teams.