Franco Molina Makes Impactful Start in Super Rugby Pacific

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off with a notable performance from Argentine player Franco Molina, who scored a endeavor for his team in his debut match. Molina’s contribution highlights the growing Argentine presence in the competition.

Super Rugby Pacific – Round 1 Results

The 31st edition of the South Pacific tournament commenced with several key matches. In a thrilling contest, the Highlanders defeated the defending champions, the Crusaders, 25-23. The Highlanders managed to overturn an 8-10 halftime deficit, despite being without Tomás Lavanini.

Argentine Players in Action

Franco Molina featured prominently for Western Force in their match against the Brumbies, which they lost 24-56. Leonel Oviedo also saw action as a replacement for Western Force. Molina scored a try following a break by fly-half Ben Donaldson.

Other results from the opening round included:

• Waratahs defeated Reds 36-12
• Moana Pasifika defeated Fijian Drua 40-26 (away game)
• Chiefs defeated Blues 19-12

Super Rugby Pacific Format

The Super Rugby Pacific format has evolved in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the competition was limited to franchises from Australia and Recent Zealand. In 2022, teams from Australia and New Zealand continued to compete, leading to the departure of the Argentine franchise Jaguares and the Japanese Sunwolves. South African teams subsequently moved to the United Rugby Championship.

The 2026 championship features 11 teams, with each franchise playing 14 games over 16 days, including two rest periods. The top six teams will qualify for the finals. The finals will consist of matches between 1st vs 6th, 2nd vs 5th, and 3rd vs 4th. The highest-ranked losing team from these matches will qualify for the semifinals as the fourth seed, playing as the away team. The grand final is scheduled for June 20.

Franco Molina’s Career

Franco Molina, born on August 28, 1997, currently plays for Western Force in the Super Rugby Pacific. He previously represented Argentina U20s in the 2016 & 2017 World Rugby Championship and played for Argentina XV between 2016 and 2018. Wikipedia reports that he will join Newcastle Red Bulls after the competition. He also played for Jaguares XV, Ceibos, Selknam, and Dogos XV. Western Force signed Molina on a two-year contract ahead of the 2025 season.

Agdeportes highlights Molina as the most outstanding Argentine representative in the first round of the Super Rugby Pacific.