The Fijian Drua currently have the better record against Moana Pasifika, winning four of six encounters. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The Fijian Drua will host Moana Pasifika in the opening round of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific in Lautoka on 14 February 2026.
While Super Rugby is yet to release the full match schedule for the new season, it has confirmed the opening Pasifika clash at Churchill Park.
Having made their debuts in 2022, the Fijian Drua currently have the better record against Moana Pasifika, winning four of six encounters.
But Moana Pasifika had the better of the day when the two teams met at the North Harour Stadium in Alabny earlier this year.
In a statement, the Fijian Drua said the opening match not only marks the start of the new season but also highlights the fierce rivalry between the the two sides.
"Matches between the two sides have features spectacular tries and thumping hits in typical Pacific style. The two teams also share an unshakeable bond of brotherhood off the field."
Drua head coach Glen Jackson said he looks forward to preparing the team to meet Moana Pasifika at the ground they have come to call 'the fotress".
"We can't wait to open our 2026 season against our Pacific brothers at our fortress in Lautoka," Jackson said.
"It's always a fierce contest when we meet, a true reflection of the passion both teams bring. Starting the season at home, in front of the world's best fans, is the perfect boost for our campaign."
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said he is looking forward to the challenge the Drua team and their fans will bring to this match.
"We are deeply connected with the Drua being the only Pacific Island teams in Super Rugby Pacific," the former All Black star said.
"It's always exciting playing against them and to start the season with a match in Fiji is going to be special. It's a game that is a highlight of the season for our communities.
"Rugby brings people together and that is very real in Fiji. They're very passionate about the sport and their team and it's awesome to experience.
"It's one of the toughest places to play but we're looking forward to the challenge the Drua will bring and seeing Pasifika flair and power from both teams on full display."
Churchill Park is the Fijian Drua Men's most successful venue, where the Drua have won 10 out of 12 matches held there since 2022.
The team is currently on an impressive nine-consecutive straight wins at 'the fortress' and beat Moana Pasifika 40-35 the last time the two teams played there.
Hurricanes eager to see Laumape at home
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are eager to welcome former star Ngani Laumape to Wellington when they host Moana Pasifika in their opening match of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season on February 20.
Five years on from his final outing for the Hurricanes, Laumape is primed to return to Sky Stadium as his old side host his new team in their season-opening clash on Friday, February 20.
Hurricanes said Laumape spent six seasons with them between 2016 and 2021, during which time the 32-year-old midfielder made 85 appearances, scored 49 tries, won a Super Rugby title in 2016, and became a 15-test All Black.
Laumape went on to play for French club Stade Français and the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan Rugby League One, before his signing with Moana Pasifika was announced in June.
Now back in New Zealand, he has been a revelation for his home province, Manawatū in the National Provincial Championship.
"Wellington will always be home, and the Hurricanes will always hold a special place in my heart," Laumape told the media this week.
"I'm grateful for everything they have done for me and my family.
"We're all mates off the field but once the game starts, it's just business as usual. It's going to be exciting to play against the Canes, this time honouring my Tongan heritage and representing Moana Pasifika."
The Hurricanes tharshed Moana Pasifika 64-12 at home in this year's final around robin home match.
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said he is excited to have Laumape and Moana Pasifika back in Wellington.
"We look forward to welcoming Moana, who had an amazing season last year and went super close to making the playoffs," Laidlaw said.
"They helped generate the biggest crowd and support out of all our home games last year. It was a great atmosphere and one of the games where we played some of our best rugby of the year.
"I'm sure Moana will be strong again and look to get their campaign off to a fast start. With Ngani returning, and it being the first time he's played in New Zealand for a few years, I'm sure the crowd and the two teams will be excited to get into it again.
"Certainly for us, with it being our first game and being at home, it's something we'll really focus on through the pre-season."
Moana Pasifika head coach and Hurricanes centurion Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said "the connection with Wellington and the Hurricanes runs deep in this team".
"It's awesome to have that connection but also the memorable and competitive games we've had against the Hurricanes over the past few years."
Earlier in this year's competition, Moana Pasifika defeated the Hurricanes in Albany.
