Coventry Fly-half Pat Pellegrini Joins Super Rugby Pacific Outfit Moana Pasifika
(BBC Rugby Union, July 2023)
Coventry fly-half Pat Pellegrini has secured a move to Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika, departing the English Championship after two successful seasons. The Tongan international, who represented his country at the recent World Cup, will join the Auckland-based outfit ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Pellegrini’s transfer marks the latest high-profile signing for Moana Pasifika, with All Blacks star Ardie Savea also agreeing to join the club for the upcoming season. The move offers the fly-half a chance to compete at the top level of rugby union gameplay, following an impressive stint with Coventry.
During his time in the English Championship, Pellegrini made 39 appearances for the club, cementing his place in the Tonga national team setup. He earned his international debut against Fiji and was subsequently selected for last year’s World Cup, where he scored a memorable try against the Springboks.
“The club has been massive in my progression. The experience of going full-time with them will make this next transition into top-level rugby much easier.”
Reflecting on his departure, Pellegrini praised Coventry’s role in his development, stating, “The club has been massive in my progression. The experience of going full-time with them will make this next transition into top-level rugby much easier.” He also expressed gratitude to the coaching staff and supporters, describing the “outstanding environment” that enabled him to improve daily.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the English Championship, including funding reductions and the collapse of 2023 champions Jersey Reds, Pellegrini was full of praise for the competition, terming it a “really good stepping-stone into top-level rugby.” He emphasized the wealth of talent within the league and the valuable experience of competing against players of that caliber on a weekly basis.
As Pellegrini embarks on his new chapter with Moana Pasifika, rugby union enthusiasts will eagerly follow his journey as he looks to make a mark on the Super Rugby Pacific landscape.
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