Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Fineanganofo delays Newcastle move to stay with NZ Rugby
Sport Nation • September 29th, 2026 9:45 am
Fehi Fineanganofo | Photo: Ron Gaunt/Photosport
All Blacks winger Fehi Fineanganofo will remain in New Zealand for another season after reaching an agreement that delays his move to English club Newcastle Red Bulls.
The 24-year-old had been due to join the Premiership Rugby side following the 2026 NPC season after signing a two-year contract with Newcastle in January.
But Fineanganofo's emergence as one of Super Rugby Pacific's standout performers has changed the picture.
The Hurricanes winger scored 17 tries during their title-winning campaign last season, equalling Josh Moorby's franchise record as the Wellington-based side claimed their first championship since 2016.
Cory Jane on the want to keep Fehi Fineanganofo in New Zealand | Scotty & Izzy
His form earned him a place in new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's squad for the Nations Championship and South African tour, where he made his Test debut off the bench in New Zealand's 34-32 victory over France in Christchurch.
Fineanganofo subsequently made it clear he wanted to stay in New Zealand, with remaining eligible for the All Blacks and next year's Rugby World Cup a key factor.
That has now been achieved, with New Zealand Rugby reaching an agreement with Newcastle that will allow Fineanganofo to stay in the country through the 2027 World Cup before taking up his move to England.
He will remain with the Hurricanes for next season before heading to Newcastle at the end of 2027, with his contract running through to 2029.
“I'm excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes next season,” Fineanganofo said in a statement.
“I am proud of what we achieved last season and I'm looking forward to helping defend the Super Rugby title while putting my hand up for the All Blacks ahead of the World Cup.”
Israel Dagg isn't ready to farewell Hurricanes breakout star Fehi Fineanganofo | Scotty & Izzy
Fineanganofo missed New Zealand's Tests against Italy and Ireland after suffering a shoulder injury following his debut, but returned to feature in two tour matches in South Africa.
He is now in contention for Rennie's squad for the upcoming two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia, to be named later on Tuesday.
Fineanganofo will also turn out for Bay of Plenty this weekend after being released by the All Blacks, joining 13 other players for their final regular-season match against North Harbour.
