Seven debutants named for Moana Pasifika in Hurricanes clash

Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has named seven debutants for Moana Pasifika’s match against the Hurricanes in Wellington this Friday. 

After an enormous effort to record a historic win over the Drua in the sweltering Lautoka heat last week, Umaga says it has always been part of the plan to give promising new players their shot early in the season. 

Veteran hooker Samiuela Moli will captain the team while regular skipper Miracle Faiilagi remains in the match day 23 as an ‘impact player.’ The debutants include Brisbane Broncos convert Israel Leota, two-time Japan League One champion hooker Mamoru Harada, Southland standouts Alefosio Aho and Faletoi Peni along with emerging talents – Simon Peter Toleafoa, Lolani Faleiva and Konrad Toleafoa. 

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the depth within our group,” Umaga said. “If we want to get all the way to the end of this competition, we’re going to need everybody.

“We decided that we were going to come back and change the team because of the travel and the heat [in Lautoka]. Those factors take a lot out of our players. 

“Last year we went to Perth, (first game at the start of the season) and we had a short turnaround then went to Brisbane. We had issues with our flight and we didn’t end up getting into Brisbane until 1am Monday morning. We didn’t train well and we probably didn’t show the best of ourselves and I think that was due to our travel and fatigue. 

“I’m a big believer that if you keep doing the same thing and expect something different, that’s the definition of insanity. So this year we had a plan in place and we were going to give our group an opportunity,” Umaga said.  

Cousins Konrad and Simon Peter Toleafoa joined Moana Pasifika as replacement players this year.  

The former is a rising loose forward who played for Otago during the 2025 NPC season. He is known for his agility and being a fierce ball-carrier, earning him a start at openside flanker.  

His cousin Simon Peter is an attacking threat and was signed to the New England Free Jacks for the 2025 Major League Rugby season. He had a standout 2024 season with Counties Manukau where he was in the top 5% of all players for ball carries, defenders beaten and linebreaks. He will get to show his offensive prowess starting at fullback.  

Southland Stags Most Promising Player of 2024, Faletoi Peni will also get his first taste of Super Rugby in the midfield. The 25-year-old has had an inspiring journey from almost quitting rugby entirely to winning four consecutive championships in club rugby and making a name for himself in NPC.  

Japanese recruit Mamoru Harada is set for a potential debut off the bench. He transferred from the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. Since joining Moana, Harada has embraced the values and culture of the club, and will be exciting to watch.  

Former Broncos winger and Porirua-born Israel Leota also earns a debut at right wing, with the chance to put on a show for his hometown. 

“It’s a big step up from where some of our players have come from and you can’t replicate [experience] on the training field or in the meeting room,” Umaga added. “They’ve got to go out there and taste it, that’s what our boys need. 

“We have faith in our squad and we have total faith in our players to represent themselves, their families and our club to the best of their abilities.” 

Unavailable due to injury: Augustine Pulu (calf), Jimmy Tupou (elbow), Niko Jones (foot), Ola Tauelangi (back), Tupou Afungia (neck), Paula Latu (knee), Tevita Latu (knee).  

Additional info on debutants

Konrad Toleafoa 
Toleafoa is a rising loose forward who hails from Auckland. He was Head Boy of St Peter’s College in 2021 and received the Sporting Excellence award in rugby in the same year. He also captained the school’s First XV.

On the field, Toleafoa is known for his agility and being a fierce ball-carrier. His father Kalolo is a former Manu Samoa loose forward who was part of the 1999 Rugby World Cup team. Toleafoa made his provincial debut for Otago against Hawke’s Bay during the 2025 season

Simon Peter Toleafoa 
Toleafoa hails from Mangere, South Auckland. He is an attacking threat with the ability to play at fullback, wing or first five. Along with Moana Pasifika’s new recruit Faletoi Peni, Toleafoa won back to back championships with the Manukau Rovers in 2022 and 2023. 
 
His 2024 breakthrough season with Counties Manukau put the competition on notice. Toleafoa is of Samoan and Tongan descent and has represented the Manu Samoa Under 20s team. He is guided by his strong faith in God on and off the field. 

Lolani Faleiva 
Faleiva is a powerful ball runner who brings great overseas experience to Moana Pasifika. The prop played for the Toronto Arrows in Major League Rugby and also in the Netherlands. 
 
He has represented the Hawke’s Bay Magpies since 2020 and is an old boy of Napier Boys’ High School. Faleiva made his debut for Manu Samoa during the 2024 July Series.