Moana Pasifika have confirmed the departure of midfielder Levi Aumua, who will head south to join the Crusaders for next year's Super Rugby Pacific.
Aumua, 28, has signed a two-year deal with the defending champions, starting in 2024, a move that has spent the last few days circulating in the rugby rumour mill.
One of the few highlights through Moana Pasifiika's winless 2023 campaign, Aumua's desire to join the perennial title contenders is motivated by his ambitions of All Blacks selection.
He was selected for the All Blacks XV for their whistlestop tour to England and Ireland, which has further whetted his appetite to make the leap to test level.
Aumua's departure comes just two days after head coach Aaron Mauger announced he was parting ways with the team with a year left on his contract, citing a wish to spend more time with his family.
"In my career, I have been lucky enough to play all over the world, but in recent times, my desire to try to play for the All Blacks has intensified," said Aumua.
"At the end of last year, I got a small taste with the All Blacks XV, which only strengthened my hunger to play for the All Blacks.
"With this in mind, I have decided to commit myself to the Crusaders for the next two years, a group I know well from my time with the Tasman Makos.
"For now, my focus is on finishing the season strong with Moana."
Born in New Zealand, with Fijian and Samoan heritage, Aumua says it has been a privilege to represent his heritage with the competition newcomers.
"It is an incredible honour to be part of the Moana Pasifika family," he added. "I have loved my time with the club.
"My teammates have become like brothers to me. I always wanted to make my parents proud, and I was able to represent both my Samoan and Fijian heritage under the Moana Pasifika banner."
Crusaders professional rugby general manager Angus Gardiner says Aumua will add a unique brand of versatility to their squad.
"Levi is an extremely exciting player and we're looking forward to him bringing his own point of difference to the playing group we're building here at the Crusaders," said Gardiner.
"He's had an outstanding season with Moana Pasifika, his stats are undeniable and his outputs across the park are very high."
The Crusaders will be the fourth Super Rugby stop for Aumua, who spent time in the Chiefs set-up in 2018, before playing four games for the Blues the following season.
Moana Pasifika chairman La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones paid tribute to Aumua's contribution to the young franchise.
"Levi is a remarkable player and his outstanding performance with Moana Pasifika has put him in high demand," said Sir Michael. "We are thrilled to have played a key part in his impressive development within professional rugby over the past two years.
"While we would have loved for Levi to stay, his journey exemplifies the critical role Moana Pasifika plays in providing a platform to nurture and develop aspiring rugby players, particularly of Pasifika heritage, to realise their potential as professional athletes, and showcase their abilities."
Currently mired at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, Moana Pasifika travel to Lautoka to take on Fijian Drua on Saturday.
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