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Moana Pasifika's road to Super Rugby Pacific has been long and winding, but the payoff is Pacific island representation in a beloved sport on a huge stage.

But beyond rugby itself, there’s an identity for Pacific pride, finally, in the competition. It’s for the people and islands he represents. “Especially in a rugby game, it’s something I’ve never felt before. Led by coach Aaron Mauger (a former All Black of Samoan, Tahitian and Cook islander descent), Moana Pasifika didn’t play its Super Rugby opener until Round 3 due to COVID-19-related postponements. Two-and-a-half decades later, the Moana Pasifika addition was finalized, giving the islands a green light for a team to compete in its first-ever Super Rugby season. Moana Pasifika lost that match 28-21, but waves were made that night.