All Blacks: Scott Robertson successfully lures ex-Crusaders star dubbed a ‘huge asset’ back to New Zealand
Leicester Fainga'anuku will return to New Zealand in 2026.
RC Toulon back Leicester Fainga’anuku will return to New Zealand in 2026 and re-ignite his All Blacks career under ex-Crusaders boss Scott Robertson.
The Crusaders confirmed the return of the 24-year-old ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season as he signs a two-year deal with the Christchurch-based outfit.
Fainga’anuku left the Crusaders following the conclusion of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, joining Toulon after the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks.
Leicester Fainga’anuku returns
The versatile back, who is just as comfortable on the wing as he is at centre, shone during his first season at Toulon, scoring nine tries in 14 appearances.
However, he has opted to leave the club at the conclusion of his contract to chase an international recall in Robertson’s All Blacks team, having been a pivotal player for Razor during their time at the Crusaders.
At the end of the 2022 season, Fainga’anuku was the joint top try scorer for the competition with fellow Crusaders Sevu Reece and Will Jordan. The following year, he scored 13 tries in 13 appearances in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition and was crowned the top try scorer as he played a big part in securing a seventh straight Super Rugby title for the red and black.
“Although very well integrated in Toulon, Leicester motivated his decision by the fact of being able to apply for a place in the New Zealand squad, with a view to the next Rugby World Cup,” a Toulon statement read.
Huge asset
Fainga’anuku made his Test debut for the All Blacks in 2022 against Ireland and featured six further times for the side, scoring five tries including one in the quarter-final success at the World Cup.
“We’re of course excited to have Leicester come back into the fold here at the Crusaders for the 2026 season,” said Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO.
“He’s an outstanding young man who has continued to show what a remarkable athlete he is during his time in Europe. It was wonderful to connect with him when he joined us to watch the Crusaders play Munster in January and it felt like he hadn’t left.”
Rob Penney, Crusaders head coach, said the move was “fantastic news for rugby in New Zealand”.
“Leicester is a huge asset to any team he is a part of, so to have him back in Christchurch is really positive,” Penney said.
“He has plenty of years left to play at the top level, and we’re all very pleased he’s chosen to return to the Crusaders. I’m sure all members and fans will be just as excited as we are to see him run out onto the new turf at One New Zealand Stadium for that 2026 season.”
Fainga’anuku is expected to resume his time behind the green fences of Rugby Park from January 2026.
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