Moana Pasifika rookie of the year, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa has signed for the 2026 and 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
The 21-year-old loose forward had a breakout 2025 campaign, leading the competition in carries (205) after joining Moana Pasifika on a training contract, which led him to becoming a replacement player and a regular on the starting lineup.
"Securing my first Super Rugby contract means a lot," Tupou Ta'eiloa said. "It's a dream come true not only for me but my family."
"Some highlights for me being with Moana Pasifika has to be the team culture, it's like a family and we have the best fans."
A wrecking ball on the field, Tupou Ta'eiloa's robust style of play and his unbreakable courage saw him named as Moana Pasifika's Best Defensive Player.
Born and raised in Mangere South Auckland, he moved to Dunedin where he attended Otago Boys High School and played for the First XV. In 2023, he was picked up by the Southland Stags who he has represented in the National Provincial Championship since.
Coming off a dominant season with Southland in 2024, he received a pre-season training opportunity with Moana Pasifika.
He earned the trust of management with his high work rate and made his debut against the Western Force in Round One. He scored a try off the bench and was the spark plug the team needed, seizing his opportunity.
From then on he made a total of 13 appearances this year, playing 943 minutes which was the most out of the entire Moana Pasifika team. He also added seven tries and 989 ball carries to his name, illustrating his high productivity and tremendous impact.
Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said: "We're very happy to have Semisi back with us for another two years. He's a rare talent who has shown amazing ambition and tenacity to get to where he is now.
"He impressed us from the way he came in and earned his spot on the team, the physicality he plays with and his love for this team. The future is bright for Semisi and we look forward to continuing to watch him grow."
The proud Tongan stamped his mark on the competition, playing like he had been on the professional scene for years.
With the world at his feet, Tupou Ta'eiloa's star is rising and he will continue to be a huge part of the Moana Pasifika movement.
