**Former Wales Rugby Coach Shines as Moana Pasifika Cause Super Rugby Upset**
Stephen Jones, once at the helm as Wales’ assistant coach, has continued his rugby renaissance by playing a pivotal role in yet another landmark victory for Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby competition. Jones, who joined the Pacific Islands outfit as an assistant coach in late 2023, saw his latest success on a memorable evening where Moana Pasifika toppled the much-fancied Blues, 27-21, at North Harbour Stadium.
The win was not only special for its drama, but also historic in context: it marked Moana Pasifika’s very first triumph over the Blues—a team loaded with household names such as Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane. The result adds to the club’s growing list of achievements under Jones’ tenure, following closely on their first-ever victory against the storied Crusaders just several weeks earlier.
At the heart of Friday night’s triumph was Kyren Taumoefolau, who crossed the tryline three times, securing a hat-trick that propelled Moana Pasifika to a third consecutive win against New Zealand opposition. This string of successes has done wonders for the team’s confidence and momentum, pushing them to sixth place in the Super Rugby standings after 14 closely fought rounds.
Such momentum means Moana Pasifika are not merely surviving, but actively competing for silverware. With the ACT Brumbies leading the table on 43 points, and the Blues now trailing just outside the top six, Moana Pasifika find themselves in genuine playoff contention—a situation that would have seemed fanciful not long ago.
For Stephen Jones, these unprecedented victories have been a means to rebuild and bolster his coaching reputation after a difficult departure from international rugby. The former Welsh captain and centurion had been axed from Wales’ coaching line-up following Wayne Pivac’s exit and Warren Gatland’s return at the conclusion of 2022. Jones’ swift embrace of the new challenge in the southern hemisphere, though, has quickly repaid Moana Pasifika’s faith.
Jones has spoken candidly in past interviews about the appeal of joining forces with Tana Umaga, the team’s head coach and renowned former All Black. Jones described his acceptance of the job as a “no brainer”, reflecting on his admiration for Umaga and the shared philosophy they brought to nurturing the team’s distinctive identity. His previous experience alongside Pivac at the Scarlets—where he celebrated a PRO12 title in 2017—has also been an asset in his current venture.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Jones has credited both the coaching group and playing squad for their mutual ambition and willingness to challenge themselves. “I was very honoured to get the call,” Jones remarked in a recent discussion. “When Tana presented the opportunity, it didn’t require much thought. Working in Super Rugby with such dedicated people, it was an easy decision.”
He added: “The players have shown an eagerness to learn and grow, which has made the experience first class. It’s not just about results, but about creating something lasting for this team and these communities.”
Moana Pasifika’s evolution under Jones and Umaga’s guidance highlights how fruitful transnational collaborations can be in the ever-adapting landscape of rugby. It also serves as a reminder that a coaching setback can sometimes be the springboard for greater things elsewhere.
With the Super Rugby season progressing towards its crucial stages, all eyes will be on whether Jones and Moana Pasifika can sustain this remarkable form. Their recent conquests suggest that the team is no longer to be seen merely as spirited underdogs, but as genuine contenders in one of the sport’s toughest competitions. As Jones’ coaching journey continues to unfold, Welsh fans and rugby neutrals alike will no doubt watch with keen interest at what is shaping up to be an inspiring comeback story.