Moana Pasifika's Levi Aumua is tackled during the game against the Hurricanes at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
Moana Pasifika star Levi Aumua has confirmed he is leaving the side at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition as he tries to become an All Black.
The Auckland-based franchise confirmed on Wednesday that Aumua has signed with the Crusaders for the 2024 season.
Aumua has represented Moana Pasifika in 20 games and scored seven tries.
Chairman La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones told media Moana Pasifika has played a pivotal role in shaping Aumua's professional career.
"Levi is a remarkable player and his outstanding performance with Moana Pasifika has put him in high demand. We are thrilled to have played a key part in his impressive development within professional rugby over the past two years," Jones said.
"In that time, Levi has demonstrated his immense talent and huge contribution to Moana Pasifika, amassing 1,292 game-time minutes for the club."
'Desire to play for the All Blacks has intensified'
Aumua said he is focused on helping Moana Pasifika close the season on a high note.
"For now, my focus is on finishing the season strong with Moana," he told New Zealand's NewsHub.
"It is an incredible honour to be part of the Moana Pasifika family, I have loved my time with the club. My team-mates have become like brothers to me.
"I always wanted to make my parents proud, and I was able to represent both my Samoan and Fijian heritage under the Moana Pasifika banner.
"In my career I have been lucky enough to play all over the world, but in recent times my desire to try to play for the All Blacks has intensified. At the end of last year, I got a small taste with the All Blacks XV which only strengthened my hunger to play for the All Blacks.
"With this in mind, I have decided to commit myself to the Crusaders for the next two years, a group I know well from my time with the Tasman Makos."
Aumua plays for the Tasman Mako in the NPC, clocking up nearly 50 appearances for the Nelson-based side over two stints, the first between 2017-2019, the second from 2021 onwards.
In 2022, Aumua was selected for the All Blacks XV to play their northern tour in Dublin and London. He will commence a two-year contract with the Crusaders in 2024.
Moana Pasifika play Fijian Drua at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday aiming to win their first Super Rugby Pacific game of the season after 12 successive defeats.
In their final game of the campaign they play Waratahs in Sydney on June 3.