Fineanganofo weighs Newcastle exit after All Blacks call-up

WELLINGTON: Newly selected All Blacks wing Fehi Fineanganofo said he is trying to find a way out of his contract with English club Newcastle so he can remain eligible for New Zealand and pursue a place at the 2027 World Cup.

The 23-year-old, who has not previously been capped, signed with Premiership side Newcastle Red Bulls in January. But a strong season with Super Rugby champions Wellington Hurricanes has changed his immediate priorities. Fineanganofo scored a record 17th try of the Super Rugby campaign as the Hurricanes won the title last weekend, and he was then included in new coach Dave Rennie’s 34-man squad announced on Monday.

Fineanganofo is scheduled to join Newcastle in November when his contract with New Zealand Rugby ends. Under New Zealand’s current eligibility policy, Rennie cannot pick players who are contracted overseas. Fineanganofo said his future was still uncertain as he and his agent work through the situation.

When asked where he would play next, Fineanganofo said “I don't actually know,” Fineanganofo said when asked where he will play in future. “I'm just leaving it to my agent and I'm still waiting for him to come back to me, maybe in the next few weeks, but hopefully soon”, he added.

Selection despite uncertainty

Rennie said he selected Fineanganofo for home Tests against France, Italy and Ireland next month knowing the player could still leave later this year. New Zealand, unlike South Africa and Australia, has not relaxed its policy of only choosing players based at home.

Speaking about the decision, Rennie said “he’s available until November,” said Rennie. “We made a decision to pick him and again, that's based on form.”

Rennie added that he would leave others to deal with the contract issue, but stressed the player’s value to the squad.

“We want the best players available and Fehi's one of those”, he stated.

Family and career decision

Fineanganofo said financial considerations had driven his original decision to sign for Newcastle, with his family’s future a major factor. He said that position had since shifted, and that his family was now encouraging him to stay in New Zealand and try to build an All Blacks career.

Describing the choice, he said “It's probably one of the hardest decisions I've made this year,” he said. “You know, to choose out of the jersey or family. At the start of this year I chose family, and now things have changed. “My parents could see as well. You just can't give up an opportunity like this.”

If Newcastle do not agree to release him, Fineanganofo said he will honour the contract. For now, he is focused on his first experience in the All Blacks setup. Recalling how his parents reacted when he told them about his selection, he said “It's special. They just started crying and dad started punching the roof of his car,” Fineanganofo said. “It was actually pretty loud. My teammates were getting worried.”

After next month’s matches against France, Italy and Ireland, New Zealand will travel to South Africa in August and September for an eight-match tour. That trip includes four Tests against world champions South Africa in a series being billed as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.