Moana Pasifika signs young Samoan forward for 2023 Super Rugby season

APIA, SAMOA – 22 NOVEMBER 2022: A Vailele Rugby Club rep who is described as a natural leader and is a hard worker, is the first Super Rugby contracted player from the islands signed by Moana Pasifika for next year’s season.

Miracle Fai’ilagi was picked up by Moana Pasifika after standing out at a combine put on by World Rugby, to help identify talented players who have the potential to play rugby at a higher level.

The 23-year-old Fai’ilagi, had been a part of the Samoan sevens team setup, but his promotion to a professional rugby contract to play Super Rugby shows how Moana Pasifika are contributing to rugby in the islands and opening up pathways.

Miracle Fai’ilagi is a historic signing by Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger who describes Miracle “as a natural leader who exudes humility respect. He has represented Samoa in Rugby Sevens so has a solid fitness foundation and is a hard worker.”

Part of Moana Pasifika’s mission statement is to champion the power of Pasifika people and culture and put it on a world stage. So this will never just be about the 80 minutes of rugby each week.

“Miracle is a great example of that, he was playing for his village and local province just a few months ago and now he’s going to come in on the Super Rugby stage.

“For Miracle to come here, represent his family, his villages and proud nation of Samoa, it’s 100% what we’re about,” said Mauger.

Fai’ilagi is the only uncapped player in the Moana Pasifika squad and that continuity will help them build on last season when they had two wins from 14 games.