Fineanganofo stays in NZ as his English club deal is reshaped

Fehi Fineanganofo will stay in New Zealand for another year after the Newcastle Red Bulls in England agreed to reshape his move to Europe.

The 24-year-old Tongan star has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Hurricanes through to the end of 2027.

Fineanganofo had initially planned to join Newcastle following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific and National Provincial Championship (NPC) seasons.

He will now remain available for the All Blacks through next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia before joining the English club on an extended deal through to 2029.

Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy says the club supports Fineanganofo’s decision to put his international ambitions first.

“We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027,” McIlroy said in a media statement. “Which marries with our own philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to fulfil their ambitions.”

The new deal follows several months of discussions between Newcastle, NZR, and Fineanganofo over how best to give him a chance of making the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.

For Fineanganofo, that means another season with the Hurricanes where he has just enjoyed a record-breaking campaign.

The Onehunga, Central Auckland product scored 17 tries during the Hurricanes’ historic Super Rugby Pacific title-winning season, matching teammate Josh Moorby and helping break the competition record for tries scored in a season.

He was also selected for the All Blacks for the first time.

“I’m excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes for next season,” he said in a statement.

“I'm proud of what we achieved last season, and I’m looking forward to helping defend the Super Rugby title while continuing to put my hand up for the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”

Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw also welcomed Fineanganofo’s recommitment.

“It’s great news for the Hurricanes that Fehi will be in New Zealand for another season. The opportunity for him to play for us in 2027 is something we’re really excited about.

“He has obviously had an amazing season in 2026 by winning Super Rugby Pacific, breaking the try-scoring record, and being selected for the All Blacks.

The All Blacks will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign against Chile in Perth. Photo/Ashley Western/Photosport.

“It’s been a hugely successful year and he can be super proud of his achievements, so we look forward to that continuing next season and seeing him in pre-season once we get back together.”

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby Relationships Simon Simmers said the new arrangement gives Fineanganofo the opportunity to keep pushing for international selection.

“We are pleased to have reached a positive resolution for Fehi and look forward to seeing him continue playing his rugby in New Zealand through 2027 and chasing his dream of playing at a Rugby World Cup,” Simmers said in a media release.

Fineanganofo’s immediate focus is the All Blacks, with the former Auckland Boys Grammar student selected in the 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup against Australia.

After that, the challenge is to turn a record-breaking Super Rugby season into a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.