It has remained a talking point, with Fineanganofo trying to distance himself from the talks, while New Zealand Rugby has said it doesn’t buy players out of contracts.
But it appears NZR has come to the rescue. After negotiating with Newcastle, it’s been agreed Fineanganofo can remain in New Zealand until next year’s World Cup before moving north from the end of 2027 to 2029.
As part of the deal, Fineanganofo will suit up for the Hurricanes next season.
“I’m excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes next season,” Fineanganofo said.
“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.”
Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said the club supports the decision, saying his desire to play at the World Cup “matches the club’s philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to fulfil their ambitions”.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw is also excited to have the star winger back for one more season.
“It’s great news for the Hurricanes that Fehi will be in New Zealand for another season,” Laidlaw said. “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.
“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.”
Fineanganofo made his test debut in a 34-32 win over France in Christchurch off the bench but missed the following tests against Italy and Ireland with a shoulder injury. He also featured in two tour matches in South Africa.
There is a chance Fineanganofo is named in Rennie’s 34-man squad for the upcoming two-test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia.
Rennie will name his squad at 2.30pm and all eyes will be on whether former captain Scott Barrett is named in the side, with his brother Beauden Barrett, who appears to have fallen out of favour with selectors.
Fineanganofo will suit up for Bay of Plenty this weekend in their final regular-season match against North Harbour after being one of 14 All Blacks released to play.
Newcastle opened their season on the weekend, which resulted in a 59-26 defeat to the defending champions Northampton Saints.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.