Dave Rennie drops Fehi Fineanganofo hint after NZ Rugby denied ‘blocking’ All Blacks rookie’s Newcastle move
Fehi Fineanganofo and an inset of All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie.
Dave Rennie has explained his reasoning behind selecting Newcastle Red Bulls-bound winger Fehi Fineanganofo in his first All Blacks squad of 2026.
Historically, players leaving New Zealand have not been considered, but after breaking the Super Rugby record for the most tries scored in a single season, the prospect of selecting the Hurricanes winger was just too great for the new head coach.
Fineanganofo is one of four uncapped players included in the squad along with fellow try-scoring record breaker and teammate Josh Moorby, prop Xavier Numia and flanker Anton Segner, with Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah included as injury cover for Tupou Vaa’i, who sustained a concussion in the Super Rugby final.
Newcastle contract
The winger was barely on the All Blacks‘ radar last year before signing a deal with Newcastle ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby campaign, but rumours have since swirled over whether he will actually join the PREM Rugby club or not.
Earlier this month, it was suggested that New Zealand Rugby were attempting to block the deal, but chief executive Steve Lancaster denied such a move, which is against World Rugby rules.
“We don’t really do that. These are player choices,” Lancaster said on the possibility of buying Fineanganofo out of his Red Bulls contract.
“There’s nothing stopping Fehi from doing that, but it’s not a space we get into, looking to buy players out of contracts. Things have changed a lot for him since the end of last year. He’s taken every opportunity he’s been given so good on him.
“If he has a change of heart, that’s absolutely up to him. The ball is in his court around that. But even if he does honour his contract to Newcastle, he’s still young. He might well be back.”
After naming the 23-year-old in his first All Blacks squad since taking over from Scott Robertson, Rennie addressed Fineanganofo’s future, hinting that the speedster could cancel his contract with the Red Bulls.
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Dave Rennie addresses Fehi Fineanganofo’s future
As Lancaster said, the ball is in Fineanganofo’s court if he is to get out of his deal with Newcastle, but Rennie suggested that process may have already begun.
“I think that’s a process that he’s going through, but what we know is he’s contracted here until November,” Rennie told Sky Sports NZ when questioned about the ‘Canes speedster.
“His form has been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him. I guess he’ll work through that in time.”
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As mentioned above, Fineanganofo is joined in the squad by his clubmate Moorby, who also crossed for a record 17 tries in Super Rugby Pacific this season and earned glowing praise from the new coach.
“We all saw it on the weekend, and we’ve seen it all year, they both scored 17 tries, which is a record and reflects the type of rugby that the Hurricanes played, but also the ability of these boys to finish,” Rennie said of the pair.
“Look, I love their anticipation, but on both sides of the park, they have a massive work ethic, and then the ability to beat defenders and finish is key. So, excellent seasons and both phenomenal performances in the weekend. I’m excited to connect with them later in the week.”
