Havili makes Moana history with 50-game milestone

William Havili will become the first Moana Pasifika player to appear in 50 matches, when the team face Pacific rivals, the Fijian Drua in Lautoka this Saturday.

Havili is one of four Moana Pasifika players who have been with the club since its foundation season in 2022.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to not only play one game but 50 games for Moana,” Havili said. “I’m really looking forward to it and hoping we can put a good performance out there for our fans and get the win.”

Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “Anytime we play against the Fijian Drua, it’s special. What an awesome opportunity it is to celebrate the start of Super Rugby Pacific with two teams representing the Pacific Islands and playing in the Islands.

“This is what the competition is about, and we’re proud to be flying the flags for the Pacific along with the Drua.

“The Drua are a dangerous team and thrive off their home crowd support in Lautoka. So for us it’s about focusing on our strengths and what we can control. We want to bring the energy from the start and make it a great occasion for our fans, and Willi who we’re excited to see achieve his 50th match milestone,” Umaga said.

Havili said the team is expecting a good challenge from the Drua.

“It’s awesome playing against our Pacific brothers. They are an expansive team and they like to throw the ball around. It will be a good match up and especially over there in Fiji, it will be hot but the boys are ready for it,” Havili said.

“We’re confident in our game, we’ve just been building in preseason and had a hit out against the Highlanders. There are lots of work ons but a lot of positives as well so hopefully we can put it all together on Saturday.”

Born and raised in Motueka, Havili was a star player and captain for the Nelson College First XV, leading them to Moascar Cup victory.

From his Super Rugby debut in 2022 against the Crusaders, Havili has elevated his game both through playmaking and leadership. The 27-year-old has become a consistent and reliable presence, helping pave the way for Moana’s young backs coming through.

The team will be captained by Miracle Faiilagi for the first time. He is joined by the dominant Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa in the back row.

The lineup also includes a solid group that helped Moana Pasifika achieve historic results in 2025. Fans will get to see the powerful Ngani Laumape in Moana colours for the first time as he forms a formidable midfield combo with Lalomilo Lalomilo.

On the bench, talented Wellington loose forward Dominic Ropeti will get his chance to debut. Along with utility back Glen Vaihu who is ready to make his mark. Winger Denzel Samoa has also earned his first inclusion in the matchday 23, after impressing coaches in the team’s pre-season game against the Highlanders.

Samoa was one of two players to win a wider training squad contract at the conclusion of a special three-week trial in December.

Unavailable due to injury: Augustine Pulu (calf), Jimmy Tupou (elbow), Niko Jones (foot), Ola Tauelangi (back), Tupou Afungia (neck), Paula Latu (knee), Tevita Latu (knee).