Despite being based in Auckland, Moana Pasifika do not officially fall under NZR’s catchment, withthe franchise’s primary objective being to produce players who represent Tonga and Manu Samoa, rather than the All Blacks.
But, under current rules, Moana are allowed to have up to three NZR-contracted players on their books.
Those secondments are in specific reference to players contracted to one of the five New Zealand Super sides – the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders – rather than a player who is solely contracted to a provincial union at NPC level.
This year, following his move north from the Hurricanes, Savea will almost certainly become the first current All Black to play for Moana, having made it clear he wants to give back to his parents’ Samoan heritage.
The influence of Ardie Savea (second from left) within the All Blacks cannot be understated. Here the flanker is pictured with Mark Tele'a (left), Caleb Clarke (second from right) and Wallace Sititi. Photo / Photosport
As the 2025 season draws closer, Savea is the only current player on Moana Pasifika’s books seconded from NZR. Players such as Savea’s older brother Julian or former Hurricanes teammate Jackson Garden-Bachop do not meet that same criteria, having not procured a contract with another New Zealand-based Super Rugby team.
However, Savea’s case of being a current capped All Black playing for Moana may not be the last of its kind.
The Herald understands at least two current All Blacks have made it clear to their representatives that they would like to follow suit and move to Moana when the time comes to put pen to paper on a new NZR deal.
The reasons behind the desired moves range from players also wanting to represent their heritage, the drawcard of living in Auckland or simply the chance to play with Savea for club as well as country.
But, given NZR’s preference to see players with one of its five teams above any other, Moana does understand the intricacies of attempting to make such signings.
“There will always be tension around those negotiations,” Sorensen said. “The All Blacks are a New Zealand Rugby product, and so there’s negotiations around that,” Sorensen said.
“But that’s not a constraint to us.”
NZR is well within its rights to want players to remain contracted to one of its own sides. Players, and All Blacks in particular, are NZR’s biggest asset at a time when the sport is trying to consolidate its position as New Zealand’s premier code.
But, given Savea’s example is the first and so far only example of its kind, NZR says it is prepared to be flexible and consider players’ needs, should they wish to explore moving clubs.
However, that exploration will come on a case-by-case basis, whereby players may be rewarded for years of long service, similar to the way in which the national body allows sabbatical clauses within contracts.
“New Zealand Rugby’s priority is developing players who are eligible to represent our teams in black,” NZR told the Herald in a statement.
“However, the Collective Employment Agreement (CEA) also allows for NZR to second up to three contracted players per year to Moana Pasifika, which recognises that there may be specific circumstances where a player playing for Moana Pasifika remains eligible for selection for New Zealand national teams.
Ardie Savea runs in for a try against England. Photo / Photosport
“This provision acknowledges the balance between players’ individual circumstances, the interests of New Zealand national teams and our role in assisting the development of rugby in the Pacific region while ensuring the success of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.”
From Moana’s side, NZR’s position is understandable. No Super Rugby side, Kiwi or otherwise, is immune to the challenges and constraints of recruitment at a time when players are offered top dollar from Europe and Japan.
But, for the good of the competition and the wider Pasifika game, Sorensen urged collaboration between parties.
“One of the things about Super Rugby is that it requires all of the agencies to do their job.
“New Zealand Rugby have a clear job to do, we have a clear job to do, as do the other franchises.
“We all need to play our part because we’re part of a collective system. It needs all of us, it’s not an ‘either or’ thing.
“We’re a relational-based outfit, so relationships are important to us, more than anything else, so we work hard on that,” she said.
Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News.
