Tana Umaga: Moana Pasifika Coach ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby season, on filling the gap left by Ardie Savea

It was a breakthrough season for Moana Pasifika in 2025. 

With six victories, including wins over the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Blues, and Crusaders, the team ended up finishing 7th – just shy of the playoffs. 

They’re kicking off their 2026 season next Saturday, with a clash against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. 

Coach Tana Umaga joined Piney ahead of the season to discuss their plans to keep momentum rolling, and the difficulty of losing their players during the offseason. 

He told Piney that no one person can fill the gap left by Ardie Savea, but the leaders within the team are stepping up to the plate. 

“It’s still a big shadow to have hanging over us, but our boys, they embrace that.” 

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