Arabic version: فاينانغانوفو يؤجل انتقاله إلى نيوكاسل سعياً للمشاركة في كأس العالم
According to BBC News, All Blacks wing Fehi Fineanganofo has agreed with Newcastle Red Bulls to delay his move to Tyneside by a season so he can pursue selection for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 24-year-old will remain with the Hurricanes, with his Newcastle contract now set to cover the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons.
Fineanganofo had originally agreed a two-year Newcastle deal in January, due to begin at the start of the current campaign. His form for the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Super Rugby moved him into Test consideration, and he made his New Zealand debut against France in July. Under All Blacks selection rules, an overseas move this year would have ruled him out of Rugby World Cup contention.
He broke the record for the most tries in a single Super Rugby campaign this year, scoring 17 tries in 14 matches for the title-winning Hurricanes. Fineanganofo said he was grateful to Newcastle for their support and understanding, adding that the chance to stay in New Zealand and seek World Cup selection meant a huge amount to him.
Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said the club supported Fineanganofo’s ambition to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027. He said the winger’s later arrival, with added international experience, would strengthen his qualities as a top-class player. McIlroy also said Newcastle could add an outside back if a player of the required standard becomes available.
Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland had said only weeks earlier that he expected Fineanganofo to arrive in November. Newcastle began the Prem season with Werner Kok and Christian Wade as first-choice wings, lost 59-26 away to defending champions Northampton in their league opener, and host Leicester on Saturday.
