Miracle Fai'ilagi of Moana Pasifika scores during the Super Rugby Pacific 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Three more players have re-signed with Moana Pasifika for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season
Manu Samoa flanker Miracle Fai'ilagi, 'Ikale Tahi winger Fine Inise and his brother Lotu Inise have all confirmed their loyalty to the Auckland-based franchise.
And former Hurricanes and Crusaders player Pepesana Patafilo has signed up with Moana Pasifika until 2025.
Fai'ilagi and Fine Inise are in France for the Rugby World Cup, while Lotu Inise is currently playing for North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.
Moana Pasifika said the 24-year-old Fai'ilagi was the feel-good story of the Super Rugby Pacific competition in 2023, capturing the hearts and minds of the rugby fraternity.
Fai'ilagi was playing Samoan club rugby when his talent was identified at the annual World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva, Fiji.
After scoring five tries in his debut season, Fai'ilagi was awarded the franchise's 2022 Niu Rookie of the Year.
On the re-signing of the Inise brothers, Moana Pasifika said they were thrilled to have secured them for the 2024 season.
"The pair have etched themselves into franchise history as the first set of siblings to represent the team," the statement said.
Pepesana Patafilo of the Wellington Lions Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 'Ikale Tahi internationals have been with Moana Pasifika since the franchise's inaugural year and have grown during their tenure.
Fine, the older of the two at 25, is comfortable at centre or on the wing.
Dynamic loose forward Lotu Inise made six appearances for Moana Pasifika in 2023.
Averaging 15 carries a game, Lotu's involvement with ball in hand was among the highest in the competition per 80 minutes.
The 23-year old is in his fifth season with North Harbour.
Meanwhile, Wellington Lions winger Pepesana Patafilo has found his way to Moana Pasifika after several years of Super Rugby action.
He made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2021 and moved south to the title-winning Crusaders for the 2023 season.
"I'm looking forward to joining Moana Pasifika," said Pepesana. "I can't wait to represent my family and culture and I'm grateful to be given an opportunity to express myself and what I have learnt on my journey so far," he said.