Dale MacLeod and Pauliasi Manu join coaching panel of Moana Pasifika

Moana Pasifika have confirmed that Dale MacLeod and Pauliasi Manu have been added to their coaching group ahead of the 2022 season of the Super Rugby Pacific.

The duo will join head coach Aaron Mauger and assistant coach Filo Tiatia in the backroom staff as they assemble at Mt Smart Stadium to prepare for the inaugural edition of the newly announced competition that will also feature Fijian Drua.

MacLeod had worked as defence coach of Southland in the 2018 and 2019 seasons of the National Provincial Championship and then becoming the head coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He also had previously worked with Northland as a coach and academy manager for Northland.

“Dale knows how to work hard and well in a challenging environment,” Moana Pasifika rugby director Kevin Senio said in a statement.

“He is a man who is passionate about rugby and really believes in his players. He has high standards, takes pride in his work, and really invests in the growth and development of players. He’s a welcome addition to the group.”

Meanwhile, Manu has played Super Rugby for Blues, Chiefs and Sunwolves featuring in 91 games combined before quitting his playing career in 2019. He will take up the role of scrum-coach with Moana Pasifika.

“Pauliasi is an excellent signing for our coaching group. He is one of these freak players who has mad talent, which is why he has a Rugby World Cup medal from 2015 after he was called in as injury backup for the All Blacks at the 2015 tournament,” Senio added.

Moana Pasifika will kick-start their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a clash against the Blues on 18th February.