Moana Pasifika axed from Super Rugby after rescue talks fail / Photo: Sanka VIDANAGAMA - AFP
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Moana Pasifika axed from Super Rugby after rescue talks fail
Moana Pasifika will not play Super Rugby in 2027 after a last-minute bid to rescue the financially troubled franchise failed, New Zealand Rugby said on Wednesday.
The side's owners announced earlier this year they were pulling out of the venture after failing to put it on a sustainable commercial footing.
New Zealand's government stepped in to help broker a lifeline, but governing body New Zealand Rugby said those efforts had been fruitless.
"Unfortunately, the long-term financial requirements to participate in the competition could not be met," said New Zealand Rugby chief financial officer Chris Kinraid.
The Auckland-based team was established in 2020 to provide a top-level pathway for players of Pacific heritage.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said he was "very disappointed".
"We had hoped NZ Rugby would grant us more time, but they decided they had to move ahead announcing today that the team will not be part of Super Rugby next year."
P.Queiroz--PC