Newcastle Red Bulls agree unusual deal with All Blacks star following New Zealand Rugby intervention
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Delayed.
Newcastle Red Bulls have agreed an unusual arrangement with All Blacks winger Fehi Fineanganofo that will delay his move to England until after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Fineanganofo had originally agreed a two-year deal with the PREM Rugby club and was expected to arrive in the north-east later this year following the conclusion of his commitments in New Zealand.
Those plans have now changed following discussions involving New Zealand Rugby, with the 23-year-old set to remain in his homeland throughout 2027 in order to pursue his international ambitions.
Fineanganofo will stay with the Hurricanes for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season before joining Newcastle after the World Cup.
The revised agreement means his Newcastle contract will instead run across the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons.
Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy confirmed New Zealand Rugby had been involved in finding a solution.
“Following conversations with New Zealand Rugby, Fehi and his representatives, we have agreed to defer the start date of his contract with us until after Rugby World Cup 2027,” McIlroy said.
“We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle following the tournament.”
The decision allows Fineanganofo to remain eligible for the All Blacks, with New Zealand’s selection policy generally requiring players to be contracted to New Zealand Rugby and a domestic Super Rugby franchise.
Fineanganofo has emerged as one of the most exciting young backs in New Zealand rugby.
He scored 17 tries in 14 appearances for the Hurricanes during their Super Rugby Pacific title-winning campaign this year, setting a new competition record for tries in a single season.
His form was rewarded with a first All Blacks call-up, and he made his Test debut against France in July.
Head coach Dan McFarland had indicated earlier this month that Fineanganofo was due to arrive in November, but the club will now have to wait another year to see him in a Red Bulls shirt.
Newcastle have not ruled out going back into the market as a result.
