Just over 20 years after retiring as the first All Blacks captain of Pacific heritage, Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga will return to New Zealand’s national team as an assistant coach after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Umaga, whose wife Rochelle and their four children share Samoan and Māori heritage, called the appointment “a privilege and an honour.”

“My heart is always with culture, the All Blacks culture and the heritage of my parents,” he said. “These two teams mean a lot to me. I want to make sure I do well with Moana Pasifika before moving on.”

Umaga’s departure opens the door for new leadership within Moana Pasifika. A successor will be named after a formal appointment process.

“You’ve always got to have succession planning,” Umaga said. “It’s an opportunity for young coaches to step forward.”

Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen praised Umaga’s impact. “We are immensely proud of Fa’alogo and could not be happier for his aiga,” she said. “His leadership has been astounding for the team, staff, and our Pacific community.”

Under Umaga, Moana Pasifika nearly reached the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific finals and he also coached the pilot Moana Pasifika team in 2021. He has previously coached in Toulon, as well as Counties Manukau Steelers and the Blues.