The team was originally created for a one-off match against the Māori All Blacks in December 2020, with the future intention of trying to join the Super Rugby competition.

However, from 2022 onwards a new 12-team tournament had been mooted, and on 13 November 2020, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced Moana Pasifika, along with the Fijian Drua as its preferred partners to join the competition.

[6] Further steps were made in March 2021, when the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed to a sharing of broadcast revenue with both Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua,[7] and this was followed later in the same month by World Rugby announcing financial, high performance and administrative support for both potential new sides, in order to boost the performances of Pacific Islands at international level, while also being able to stay local instead of heading overseas.

[17] On 21 July 2024, Moana Pasifika announced the signing of All Blacks forward Ardie Savea, which was considered by many to be the most significant player transfer in Super Rugby history.

[19] The squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is:[20][a][b][c] Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Halfbacks (scrum-halves) First five-eighths (fly-halves) Midfielders (centres) Outside backs The following coaching team was appointed for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season:[24] Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks