Fehi Fineanganofo, a 23-year-old wing, expressed his desire to leave Newcastle Red Bulls contract to join the All Blacks and pursue a spot in the 2027 World Cup. He was named in Dave Rennie’s 34-man squad after scoring a Super Rugby record 17th try for Wellington Hurricanes.
Fineanganofo is set to leave Newcastle when his New Zealand Rugby contract expires, but international eligibility rules mean he cannot be selected by Rennie until then. His agent and the coach are working on freeing him from the Newcastle deal so he can chase World Cup spots.
South Africa and Australia have relaxed their eligibility rules, but New Zealand remains firm in selecting only home players. Rennie picked Fineanganofo for upcoming Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland, knowing he could lose the player later this year.
Fineanganofo’s initial Newcastle signing was financial, with his family’s future in mind. However, circumstances have changed, and now it is his parents who are helping him realize he should stay to pursue All Blacks dreams. If a deal cannot be reached, Fineanganofo will fulfill his contract.
His selection into the squad has been met with joy from his family, who cried when they heard the news. Following the Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland, New Zealand will tour South Africa in August and September, playing four Tests against the Springboks.