Moana Pasifika confirmed on Sunday former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga will be the new head coach of the Super Rugby Pacific franchise on a three-year deal.
Umaga will take charge next year of the combined Pacific Island side, which is based in Auckland and comprises players of Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island heritage.
Catch every game of the Rugby Championship LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
He will replace his former Test backline partner Aaron Mauger, who oversaw Moana's difficult first two seasons in the competition and announced his resignation before the end of this year's campaign.
The 50-year-old Umaga coached Moana in their inaugural match against the Maori All Blacks in 2020, two years before they joined Super Rugby Pacific as one of two new teams, alongside Fijian Drua.
"I've always held a special place for Moana Pasifika since its inception, and I'm deeply honoured for this opportunity," said Umaga, who was the first player of Pacific descent to captain the All Blacks when he took charge under coach Graham Henry in 2004.
"From their first game, Moana Pasifika have shown flair and ability to contest with the calibre teams of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. I'm excited to progress their journey."
Umaga faces a steep challenge to bring success to a team who have finished last in the 12-team competition in each of their first two seasons. They have won just three of their 28 competition games.
Born to Samoan parents, Umaga led New Zealand in 22 of his 74 Tests.
His coaching career began at French club Toulon and he was the Auckland Blues head coach in Super Rugby from 2016 to 2018, before continuing as their defence coach.
“We are delighted to appoint Tana Umaga as Head Coach, who as the first All Black Captain of Pasifika descent and a significant history of coaching both at international and Super Rugby level, brings a wealth of experience and mana to the role," Moana Pasifika Chair La’auli Savae Sir Michael Jones said.
"Tana also provides direct connections to our Pacific home nations given his current coaching role with Manu Samoa which supports the ambition of Moana Pasifika to provide high performance pathways for players who want to represent Pacific Island nations.”
“Tana is the embodiment of Moana Pasifika and all that we stand for, our dreams and aspirations. His ability to mentor and develop his charges on and off the field is an invaluable asset for our programme, we are extremely excited for what the future holds for Moana Pasifika under Tana’s guidance and influence."
