Moana Pasifika is in its fifth year since making its debut in Super Rugby Pacific.
The club was established to give Pacific Island players, particularly those from Samoa and Tonga, a dedicated professional pathway.
The team allows players to play at an elite level while remaining eligible and available for their home nations ('Ikale Tahi and Manu Samoa), according to World Rugby.
The sport's governing body provided establishment funding to get the franchise off the ground, but that support has ended.
While the rugby club "built on faith and family" boasts a strong following of fans and supporters, it has not been the same off the field, as a lack of funding continues to be major hurdle for the side.
However, despite those financial struggles, Moana Pasifika is here to stay, according to franchise chief executive Debbie Sorensen.
"Moana is much bigger than one game going to Tonga," she told Pacific Waves.
"What we've demonstrated in the last five years is that we are here to stay."
She has called on fans to " absolutely stick with us", adding the ultimate objective is to bring regular Super Rugby games in Samoa and Tonga every year as part of the season.
"We're not going to give up now. We're going to keep trying."
