Moana Pasifika announce latest batch of signings

Mon, Oct 18, 2021, 1:04 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
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New Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika have bolstered their squad, announcing their latest group of signings.

This comes after they confirmed former Wallabies and Brumbies flyhalf Christian Leali'ifano as their inaugural signing ahead of the 2022 season.

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He will be likely be joined in the halves by former Crusaders scrumhalf Ere Enari, who was announced over the weekend.

The former New Zealand U20 representative made his debut for the Crusaders in 2017, limited to just nine appearances due to injury.

"Very proud to be a part of Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific 2022," he said via social media.

"Thank you to @canterburyrugby and @crusadersrugbyteam for all you have given to me over the past 6 years.

"Looking forward to the new challenge and the opportunity to play for and serve our people. Thank you for all the messages whānau. Tēnā rā koutou katoa, alofa tele atu."

Enari is joined by lock Sione Tu’ipulotu and loose forward Solomone Funaki as they look to bolster their forward pack.

The pair made their debut for Tonga against New Zealand in July during their 102-0 loss at Mt Smart Stadium, where the Pasifika will be based.

Tu’ipulotu, who has made a name for himself for Auckland in the NPC, had played for the Tongan, Samoan and New Zealand U20 sides before formalising his commitment to ‘Ikale Tahi.

Meanwhile, Funaki has starred for Hawke's Bay, helping them to the top of the NPC ladder.

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On Monday, they confirmed Samoan trio Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio and former Force outside back Henry Taefu would join the squad.

Taefu made his name with the Force and Reds, playing 31 games of Super Rugby after making his debut in 2016.

Meanwhile, Fomai and Alosio were handed their international debuts during the July International window, having represented Samoa on the Sevens circuit.

Head coach Aaron Mauger confirmed via SENZ that they have all but signed their playing roster for 2022, with further announcements to be made in the coming days.

"We're really excited by the squad," he said on Mornings with Ian Smith.

"Ene Enari and Solomone Funaki are in a really quality program down at Hawk's Bay and those guys are playing good footy. That's the beauty of the NPC, a lot of our Pasifika-based players are plying their trade in good provinces.

"They have good support structures around them but a lot of the time they just need an opportunity which we can provide through Moana Pasifika.

"I know some of them will be unknown to many but the potential and ability of the guys to hit the ground running and make an impact on Super Rugby is massive. I'm really excited."

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