Fehi Fineanganofo will delay his move to PREM Rugby side Newcastle Red Bulls until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, after signing a new deal with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
The 24-year-old winger was set to join up with the Red Bulls this season after signing a two-year deal back in January, but a maiden call-up to the All Blacks squad quickly put that move into doubt. He later went onto win his first Test cap in the Nations Championship, and also featured in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The decision to delay his move follows months of talks between the two parties.
‘We are pleased to have reached a positive resolution for Fehi’
Commenting on re-signing with NZR and the Hurricanes, he said: “I’m excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes for next season.
“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.”
“I’m really grateful to Newcastle Red Bulls for the support and understanding they’ve shown me,” he added.
“The opportunity to stay in New Zealand and push for selection for the Rugby World Cup means a huge amount, and I’m fully committed to joining the club after the tournament and giving everything I can to the team.”
NZR general manager of professional rugby relationships, Simon Simmers, added: “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.”
Also commenting, Hurricanes head coach, Clark Laidlaw, said: “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.
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“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.”
However, while he will remain available for All Blacks selection for the 2027 World Cup, he will be a Newcastle player from next season.
“Giving people wings to fulfil their dreams is a big part of Red Bull’s mantra,” said Red Bulls’ sporting general manager Neil McIlroy.
“We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027, which marries with our own philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to achieve their ambitions.
“Fehi’s arrival in 2027, with additional international experience that will only add to his already-devastating qualities as a top-class winger, is another statement of intent around where this club is going.
“We are more than happy with the quality and depth that our existing squad possesses, but may yet choose to add to the outside back position if a player of the required standard becomes available.”
Elsewhere, Newcastle have already signed a replacement for the All Blacks winger, with former Sharks and Ulster back Werner Kok penning a deal to take him to the English North East ahead of the season.