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Sport Nation
📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Tana Umaga on Moana Pasifika's new captain, new signings & life without Ardie
Sport Nation •  January 13th, 2026 3:05 pm
Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
After Moana Pasifika's breakthrough season last year, coach Tana Umaga is desperate to keep their foot on the gas in 2026.
While inimitable captain Ardie Savea's sabbatical leaves a major void, the team have recruited wisely - adding the likes of veterans Ngani Laumape, Augustine Pulu, and Jimmy Tupou to a roster that unveiled some genuine stars last season.
Umaga says it will require a group effort to compensate for the All Black superstar's absence.
"When you lose all that Ardie brings, we know that one person can't fill that space," Umaga told Sport Nation.
"Those new guys have brought a wealth of experience, but they're also good people and a lot of them come from the same backgrounds as our players that are here.Â
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"They empathise with these guys and our young players that can see themselves in those players. So that connection is pretty instant."Â
Chief among last year's revelations was flanker Miracle Fai'ilagi, who was on Tuesday confirmed as Savea's replacement as captain.
Failagi's appointment is the latest milestone in a remarkable journey, having become the only player in Super Rugby history to be recruited directly from Samoa club rugby.
The promotion was a natural one, Umaga explains.
"Watching his growth in terms of how he handles himself and holds himself - he has the attributes to be a great captain.
"He's very well respected within the group. He doesn't say a lot, but when he does, people listen and he's very articulate when he needs to get his point across."Â
Listen to the full interview:
