Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger to step down

Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger will step down at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, citing a desire to prioritize his family.

The decision has been accepted by the Board, which expressed respect for Mauger's choice.

During his tenure, Mauger has expressed his deep appreciation for the team, describing it as a privilege to be part of the Moana Pasifika journey and the broader Pasifika community.

Despite facing challenging conditions, he has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the cause. However, he believes it is now time to return home and focus on his wife and four children.

“I love this team immensely and it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of this special journey for Moana Pasifika and broader movement for the Pasifika community," a statement read.

"I have given everything for the cause in testing conditions but it’s now time for me to return home to my family and give my best back to Amy and my four beautiful children.”

Moana Pasifika's chair, La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mauger for his contributions as head coach.

He commended Mauger for his work in establishing the rugby management team and developing a roster of mostly inexperienced players.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and storm weeks last year, as well as a tough 2023 season, Mauger's unwavering professionalism in steering Moana Pasifika has been commendable.

Jones also recognized Mauger's role in nurturing and developing Pasifika players, noting the growth and progress witnessed under his leadership.

He highlighted that 27 Moana Pasifika players went on to represent their Pacific home nations, with 13 in the ‘Ikale Tahi and 14 in Manu Samoa squads during the Pacific Nations Cup in 2022.

Moana Pasifika will now embark on the search for a new head coach to lead the team into the future.