Moana Pasifika sign off from Super Rugby with a win and emotionally charged hymn

An undermanned Moana Pasifika have capped off their potential final match with a stirring victory, upsetting the finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19. But there were mixed feelings as players celebrated a rare win before coming together with staff to mark the occasion of the club’s farewell game and expected demise with an emotionally charged hymn. The Super Rugby Pacific club was placed into liquidation on Monday after their current owners announced that they would not continue to fund the franchise beyond 2026 on April 15. Unless a last-minute saviour comes in to salvage the club, only introduced in 2022, they will fold and the competition will shrink to 10 teams in 2027. But Pasifika (2-12) relished the occasion at GIO Stadium on Saturday and snapped a 12-game losing streak to avoid a record-equalling 13th loss. The cellar dwellers’ victory wasn’t smooth sailing though, as the Brumbies led both on the scoreboard and numerically when barnstorming inside centre Faletoi Peni was handed a second yellow card and sent off in the second half. But the hosts couldn’t make the most of their opportunity and substitute Melani Matavao stormed over in the 73rd minute to claim victory. Allow Instagram content? This article includes content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue' . …