Moana Pasifika name five-time Super Rugby winner as second signing

Super Rugby Pacific expansion franchise Moana Pasifika have unveiled former Crusaders halfback Ereatara Enari as their second official signing.

The announcement of Enari’s signing comes a day after they confirmed former Wallabies playmaker Christian Leali’ifano as the franchise’s first-ever official signing as he joins the side from the NTT Communications Shining Arcs in Japan.

Leali’ifano could be joined in the halves by Enari in Moana Pasifika’s inaugural season next year as the 24-year-old will bring plenty of experience with him to team’s home base of Mt Smart Stadium.

Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika talks about handling pressure

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Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika talks about handling pressure

Of Samoan and Maori heritage, Enari is a former New Zealand Schools representative who was part of the New Zealand U20 side that was crowned world champions in Georgia four years ago.

The year beforehand, he made his first-class debut for Canterbury as a teenager, making 40 appearances for the province and winning two national titles between 2016 and 2020 before relocating to Hawke’s Bay for this year’s NPC.

Enari has since shone for the Magpies, playing a crucial role in Hawke’s Bay’s success thus far this season as they sit at the top of the Premiership standings.

At Super Rugby level, Enari made his debut for the Crusaders in 2017, but was forced to wait two years before making his second outing for the franchise after breaking his leg in two places four years ago.

Upon his return to action, the Auckland-born product found it difficult to earn game time behind the likes of one-test All Blacks halfback Mitchell Drummond and Super Rugby centurion Bryn Hall.

In fact, Enari only made nine appearances under the tutelage of head coach Scott Robertson between 2017 and 2021, but still managed to pick up three Super Rugby and two Super Rugby Aotearoa winners’ medals during his time in Christchurch.

Enari is also of strong rugby lineage, being the nephew of All Blacks greats Sir Michael Jones and Eroni Clarke, and the cousin of five-test All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke.

Two further players are expected to be unveiled by Moana Pasifika on Saturday.

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below: