Over 15 Tongans have been listed as part of the new Moana Pasifika 2026 Squad announced by Head Coach, Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, today, 6 November 2025.
They include new and returning rugby players.
Coach Umaga said that there is a good mix of experienced and young players in this new squad. "We want to build on what we already achieved in 2025 and we're not resting on our laurels."
Former All Black halfback Augustine Pulu (Tongan) returned after seven years in Japan, to join the team. He is a two-time Super Rugby champion with the Chiefs and was part of the New Zealand Sevens team that competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Augustine Pulu is one of 13 uncapped players, including former All Black star Ngani Laumape who also returnsed from Japan in to the new squad.
Coach Umaga said, "Having the experience of the likes of Augustine Pulu, Ngani Laumape, Jimmy Tupou and Julian Savea will uplift the younger guys coming through.”
He added, “Also having fresh faces like Israel Leota, Faletoi Peni and the return of Miracle Faiilagi and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa just adds to that excitement around our rising stars of the competition.”
Day one players Jonathan Taumateine and William Havili are still on board with the team.
2026 Squad List
Uncapped player *
Props
- Abraham Pole
- Chris Apoua
- Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou
- Malakai Hala-Ngatai *
- Paula Latu *
- Tito Tuipulotu
Hookers
- Mamoru Harada *
- Millennium Sanerivi
- Samiuela Moli
Locks
- Alefosio Aho *
- Allan Craig
- Jimmy Tupou *
- Ofa Tauatevalu
- Tom Savage
Loose Forwards
- Dominic Ropeti *
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Niko Jones
- Ola Tauelangi
- Semisi Paea
- Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
- Tupou Afungia *
Halfbacks
- Augustine Pulu *
- Jonathan Taumateine
- Melani Matavao
- Siaosi Nginingini
First Five
- Faletoi Peni *
- Jackson Garden-Bachop
- Patrick Pellegrini
Midfielders
- Julian Savea
- Lalomilo Lalomilo
- Ngani Laumape *
- Tevita Latu *
Outside Backs
- Glen Vaihu *
- Israel Leota *
- Solomon Alaimalo
- Tevita Ofa
- Tuna Tuitama
- William Havili
