PREM club adds ‘very quick’ Olympian to roster as they look for ‘cutting edge in attack’ ahead of new season
Red Bulls secure 'very quick' Olympian to roster as they look for 'cutting edge in attack' ahead of new season
Young New Zealand winger Fehi Fineanganofo is the latest to confirm his arrival at Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer after signing from the Hurricanes on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old scored six tries in 12 games in last season’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, and has also made a huge impact on the international stage for New Zealand’s national 7s team at the Paris Olympics in 2023.
Fineanganofo has also touched down 16 times in 24 games for Bay of Plenty at National Provincial level, and Newcastle fans will hope he can bring more of the same to the Gallagher PREM.
Incredibly exciting talent
Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager Neil McIlroy is excited about the wing prospect, saying: “Fehi is an incredibly exciting talent who knows his way to the try-line. For a big guy, he is very quick and nimble and has got that real cutting edge in attack.
“He has enjoyed a pretty rapid rise in New Zealand through their sevens programme and into Super Rugby, and we see Newcastle Red Bulls as a great stage to showcase his talents.”
Fineanganofo said: “I’m really excited for this new challenge and opportunity at Newcastle Red Bulls, but my main focus right now is Super Rugby and NPC here in New Zealand.
“I’m super grateful to New Zealand Rugby, the All Black 7s, Bay of Plenty and Hurricanes for the chance to achieve my dream of becoming a professional player. I’m especially grateful for the support I’ve had over the years, getting me through injuries and back on the field.
“I want to end off this year the right way, and to chase trophies in both Super Rugby and NPC. After that I can’t wait to start a new chapter with Newcastle Red Bulls, and the brand of rugby they want to bring to the Gallagher PREM.”
Fineanganofo will likely compete with former Wasps star Christian Wade and Elliott Obatoyinbo for a slot on the wing.
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