CANBERRA — Moana Pasifika defeated the ACT Brumbies 21-19 in their final Super Rugby Pacific match, likely ending the club’s existence after being placed into liquidation on April 15, 2026. The victory broke a 12-game losing streak and marked an emotional farewell for the franchise, which was introduced to the competition in 2022.

Moana Pasifika entered the match with uncertainty hanging over its future, as its owners had announced they would not fund the team beyond 2026. Unless a last-minute buyer emerges, the club will fold, reducing the Super Rugby Pacific competition to 10 teams in 2027.

Before kickoff, Moana Pasifika performed a traditional war dance. Patrick Pellegrini scored two tries to tie the score 14-all at halftime. In the second half, Melani Matavao scored the decisive try in the 73rd minute to secure the win. Solomon Alaimalo had a try disallowed due to a forward pass.

The Brumbies, needing a bonus-point victory to contend for fourth place, made critical errors, including a faltering lineout and a forward pass that denied Klayton Thorn a try. Luke Reimer scored a try for the Brumbies after a left-side shift. James Slipper received a yellow card during the match.

Moana Pasifika’s Faletoi Peni was sent off in the second half after receiving a second yellow card for a high tackle on Andy Muirhead. Despite playing with 14 men, the team held on for the win.

After the final whistle, players and staff gathered to sing a hymn, marking what is expected to be the club’s last moment together. “With all that had happened during the week, in terms of Moana going into liquidation, we knew we wouldn’t see a lot of our group that we left behind,” Umaga said. “We talked a lot about our strong purpose of who we represent. We’re representing our culture, our people, and we saw that come through in the end.”

“In all the emotion of the last few months, today, I couldn’t tell you what happened in those other games. I can tell you what happened today, and I’m very proud of it. This one stands out,” Umaga added.