Why the wait? Coach and fan insight into Newcastle RedBulls delayed Fehi Fineanganofo move
Written by Lucy Stutt on 14th October 2026
Newcastle RedBulls announced the postponement of the NewZealand Hurricanes player Fehi Fineanganofo contract to 2027.
Fineanganofo will continue to play for the Hurricanes for the 2026/27 season and is chasing the opportunity to play for the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup 2027.
The club originally announced his signing in January for a two year contract starting in the 2026/27 season. The postponement to the contract has not changed the two year length of it, instead he will end his contract in 2029.
View this post on Instagram
Newcastle Red Bulls forwards coach, Micky Ward said “Fehi came on our radar when our head of recruitment was looking for an entertaining outside back that would fit the style of play we have adopted since becoming a Red Bulls team, we knew he had lots of growth still in his game but knew he was a very special talent.”
He went on to say “Red Bull are huge on giving people opportunities and supporting their players. Getting the chance to represent your country in a World Cup only comes along once every four years so we needed to give him the best chance to achieve this.”
“This year will be huge for his development, he’s already been in the AllBlacks set up where he is surrounded by top quality players and coaches, even if he doesn’t make the World Cup squad he knows that the Red Bulls have supported him every step of the way and he will hopefully go over and above when he arrives.”
A fan from Newcastle Red Bulls Fan Forum Facebook group said “I think it’s a fantastic advert from Red Bull- if you’re on our watchlist we can work with you to make a deal that works for both parties.
“I think that’s a tremendous statement from the club on their long term vision. This approach will surely get the attention of some marque players particularly after this World Cup cycle.”
The decision came from the AllBlack’s selection rules, in which moving overseas this season would rule him out of contention for the Rugby World Cup in October 2027.
Fineanganofo is an experienced player, having played for the NewZealand Sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and has scored 23 tries in 26 matches since signing for the Hurricanes in 2025 achieving the all time Super Rugby record of 17 tries in 2026.
