The importance of Moana Pasifika to rugby in the region hit home for Queensland Reds players when Michael Jones visited their rooms after the side's first game in Samoa.
The All Blacks great, who played a Test for his mother's Samoa before winning a World Cup with New Zealand, emotionally described the impact their Super Rugby Pacific arrival a year earlier would have on the nation.
But that 2023 fixture would be Pasifika's only game in Apia, while they managed just one more in Tonga before confirmation on Wednesday that the unviable franchise would be disbanded after the 2026 season.
Introduced alongside Fijian Drua in 2022 as part of the new Super Rugby Pacific package, the ambition was to based the team in Samoa and play regularly there and in Tonga.
That never eventuated though, the side instead playing out of near empty Auckland venues, where the Blues were the dominant force, unable to attract big-money sponsors and routinely losing their brightest talents to rival New Zealand outfits.
At the same time the Drua had become a powerhouse on home soil, packing stadiums and boasting winning records in Lautoka and Suva.
Over the past four seasons they have finished 12th, 12th, 11th and seventh and currently sit last with a 1-7 record.
Initially funded by a World Rugby package, the majority share of the franchise was sold to Pasifika Medical Association Group in 2024, who were relying on government backing to stem the bleeding.
With operational costs in excess of $7 million annually and the logistical demands of relocating the side to Samoa too great, ownership have been, so far unsuccessfully, attempting to offload the license.
Players were informed on Tuesday and confirmation came on Wednesday in a statement that explained the "financial, operational and strategic realities" meant ownership could not commit beyond 2026.
"This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are immensely proud of our players, staff and the community who have supported our team over the years," chairman Kiki Maoate said.
Maoate said the club's commitment now "is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong".
"Across our rugby, pathways and community programs, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region," Maoate said.
"This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can."
All Blacks star Ardie Savea was a standout last season but had left for Japan on a sabbatical and was due to return to Pasifika in 2027 but will now likely seek a deal with another Kiwi Super Rugby club.
Head coach, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, was already set to depart and join the Test side as Dave Rennie's assistant.
