In a move that has sparked considerable debate within rugby circles, Fehi Fineanganofo, the dynamic Hurricanes winger, has opted to join the Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season. This decision comes hot on the heels of an outstanding performance in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, where Fineanganofo notched up 10 tries, propelling the Hurricanes to the top of the leaderboard.
Despite the allure of new financial backing at Newcastle following a takeover by Red Bull, the team’s performance has remained lackluster, securing only one win in 13 matches. This backdrop makes Fineanganofo’s choice all the more intriguing, especially given the potential opportunity to vie for a spot in Dave Rennie’s All Blacks squad.
Former All Black Murray Mexted expressed his bafflement at Fineanganofo's decision during an appearance on the Devlin Sports Podcast Network. Mexted, known for his straightforward opinions, highlighted the challenges of moving away from New Zealand rugby at such a critical juncture in a player’s career. “
‘I want the game to be strong for years to come,’
” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust local talent pool to ensure the high standards of New Zealand rugby.
Mexted also touched on the broader implications of such moves on the domestic rugby scene. “
‘We’re getting away with guys that aren’t big enough when it comes to playing against South Africa at six and eight. So, the more you dilute the New Zealand competition...’
” he remarked, underscoring the potential weakening of local leagues and the grassroots game due to the exodus of top players.
The debate over whether New Zealand should allow overseas-based players to be eligible for national selection was also rekindled. Mexted remained firm in his stance that preserving the integrity and competitiveness of domestic competitions should be a priority. He noted the exceptions for seasoned players who take sabbaticals, acknowledging that such breaks can indeed rejuvenate a player’s career, albeit under different circumstances than those of Fineanganofo.
Adding a touch of humor, Mexted quipped about the climatic challenges awaiting Fineanganofo in Newcastle, “
‘It’s bloody cold in Newcastle. You would never wear shorts in Newcastle and if you were going for a surf, you’d have to have a 4/3 wetsuit, and you can hardly paddle… it’s bloody cold.’
” This light-hearted comment underscores the significant lifestyle and playing adjustments players face when moving abroad.
As the rugby community watches closely, the impact of Fineanganofo’s decision on his career and the broader New Zealand rugby landscape remains to be seen. His journey will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the viability of such moves and their long-term effects on the pillars of New Zealand rugby.
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In a move that has sparked considerable debate within rugby circles, Fehi Fineanganofo, the dynamic Hurricanes winger, has opted to join the Newcastle Red Bulls for the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season. This decision comes hot on the heels of an outstanding performance in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, where Fineanganofo notched up 10 tries, propelling the Hurricanes to the top of the leaderboard.
Despite the allure of new financial backing at Newcastle following a takeover by Red Bull, the team’s performance has remained lackluster, securing only one win in 13 matches. This backdrop makes Fineanganofo’s choice all the more intriguing, especially given the potential opportunity to vie for a spot in Dave Rennie’s All Blacks squad.
Former All Black Murray Mexted expressed his bafflement at Fineanganofo's decision during an appearance on the Devlin Sports Podcast Network. Mexted, known for his straightforward opinions, highlighted the challenges of moving away from New Zealand rugby at such a critical juncture in a player’s career. “
‘I want the game to be strong for years to come,’
” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust local talent pool to ensure the high standards of New Zealand rugby.Mexted also touched on the broader implications of such moves on the domestic rugby scene. “
‘We’re getting away with guys that aren’t big enough when it comes to playing against South Africa at six and eight. So, the more you dilute the New Zealand competition...’
” he remarked, underscoring the potential weakening of local leagues and the grassroots game due to the exodus of top players.The debate over whether New Zealand should allow overseas-based players to be eligible for national selection was also rekindled. Mexted remained firm in his stance that preserving the integrity and competitiveness of domestic competitions should be a priority. He noted the exceptions for seasoned players who take sabbaticals, acknowledging that such breaks can indeed rejuvenate a player’s career, albeit under different circumstances than those of Fineanganofo.
Adding a touch of humor, Mexted quipped about the climatic challenges awaiting Fineanganofo in Newcastle, “
‘It’s bloody cold in Newcastle. You would never wear shorts in Newcastle and if you were going for a surf, you’d have to have a 4/3 wetsuit, and you can hardly paddle… it’s bloody cold.’
” This light-hearted comment underscores the significant lifestyle and playing adjustments players face when moving abroad.As the rugby community watches closely, the impact of Fineanganofo’s decision on his career and the broader New Zealand rugby landscape remains to be seen. His journey will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the viability of such moves and their long-term effects on the pillars of New Zealand rugby.