Moana Pasifika have been forced to relocate this month’s fixture against the Chiefs from Nuku’alofa to Pukekohe due to a number of logistical challenges.
“Our hearts are in the Pacific and that is where we want to be but it wasn’t possible for this fixture due to things that were out of our hands,” said Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen.
“It’s sad to say that we can’t make it happen this time but are already looking at how we can take a game to Tonga in 2026.”
Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis added: “We were really looking forward to playing in Tonga, which is why we are supportive of playing there in 2026 if Moana Pasifika schedule another home game in Nuku’alofa.
“Playing in the Pacific Islands is always a highlight for us.”
Moana Pasifika will now play the Chiefs at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday, March 21 at 7:05pm, “bringing the Pacific to Pukekohe,” marking the first of two home games at the ground in 2025.
On Saturday April 19, the team will face the Brumbies at the South Auckland ground where they also played a pre-season game against the Chiefs in February.
