Moana Pasifika have been confirmed as a preferred partner for a revamped Super Rugby competition but New Zealand Rugby (NZR) face a legal challenge over the decision.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson. Photo: Photosport
The national body issued a release late on Friday night announcing Moana Pasifika and the Fiji Rugby Union as "preferred partners to further explore the viability of Pasifika teams for 2022 and beyond."
However, there was still a hurdle to overcome before that process could go forward without obstruction.
On Tuesday, the Kanaloa Pasifika organisation issued NZR with a legal notice concerning their failed bid to be part of Super Rugby.
Kanaloa claimed NZR breached its own rules by appointing Moana Pasifika as a primary partner when the group did not take part in the formal tender process.
Kanaloa chief executive Tracy Atiga said they had instructed their legal counsel to issue a letter to NZR, giving them 14 days to withdraw and retract their decision before proceedings were filed with the high court seeking an injunction to the tender process.
NZR responded with a statement, standing by their process as "rigorous and fair" and noting they were engaging directly with Kanaloa Pasifika.
That dialogue hadn't, though, prevented NZR from confirming Moana Pasifika as a preferred partner, alongside the Fijian Union.
"We are now focused on working with these organisations, the relevant national unions and other partners on the optimal models for the establishment of new teams - to ensure they have every chance of success," NZR head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said on Friday.
"There is a lot of work to do for both parties but we are excited by the potential to continue explorations together."
The NZR statement said more announcements about the future of professional club competitions from 2022 onwards would be made soon.
Moana Pasifika is backed by a heavyweight group, including All Blacks legends Sir Bryan Williams and Sir Michael Jones, who are former and current members of the New Zealand Rugby Board.
