FIRST TEAM
FEHI FINEANGANOFO TO JOIN NEWCASTLE RED BULLS IN 2027
Newcastle Red Bulls have given Fehi Fineanganofo the opportunity to fulfil his ambition of playing in Rugby World Cup 2027 before joining the club on newly-extended terms.
The New Zealand international will remain eligible for selection ahead of the tournament in Australia, after which he will bring his try-scoring talents to Tyneside.
Following a fantastic 2026 Super Rugby campaign which saw him jointly breaking the single-season try record in helping the Hurricanes to win the title, Fehi went on to become a New Zealand All Black against France in July of this year.
For the last few months Newcastle Red Bulls have engaged positively in discussions with Fehi around his desire to play in Rugby World Cup 2027.
Given NZ Rugby's policy restricting overseas-based players from representing their country, Fehi was understandably keen to explore the possibilities of participating in next year’s tournament.
Newcastle Red Bulls have agreed to release Fehi from his engagements for the 2026-27 season, but have extended his contract from 2027 until 2029. The club were happy to work with and support Fehi’s aspiration to play for the All Blacks at a Rugby World Cup.
Newcastle Red Bulls' sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Giving people wings to fulfil their dreams is a big part of Red Bull's mantra.
“We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027, which marries with our own philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to achieve their ambitions.
“Fehi’s arrival in 2027, with additional international experience that will only add to his already-devastating qualities as a top-class winger, is another statement of intent around where this club is going.
“We are more than happy with the quality and depth that our existing squad possesses, but may yet choose to add to the outside back position if a player of the required standard becomes available.”
Fineanganofo said: “I’m really grateful to Newcastle Red Bulls for the support and understanding they’ve shown me.
“The opportunity to stay in New Zealand and push for selection for the Rugby World Cup means a huge amount, and I’m fully committed to joining the club after the tournament and giving everything I can to the team.”
