All Blacks call-up throws Fineanganofo's Newcastle Red Bulls move into serious doubt

Fehi Fineanganofo’s planned move to Newcastle Red Bulls is in serious jeopardy after the 23-year-old Hurricanes winger was named in Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad for the Nations Championship — one of four uncapped players selected — prompting the player himself to admit he no longer knows what his future holds.

Fineanganofo had signed a two-year deal with the Gallagher Premiership club earlier this year, a move widely understood to have placed his international ambitions on hold. That calculus shifted dramatically after a breakthrough Super Rugby Pacific season in which he equalled the competition’s try-scoring record with 17 tries.

Speaking to New Zealand media following his national call-up, Fineanganofo was candid about the uncertainty. “I actually don’t know,” he said when asked about his contract situation. “I’m just leaving it with my agent and I’m still waiting for him to come back to me but I guess he’s doing something good so.”

When pressed on whether he would prefer to remain in New Zealand, the winger acknowledged he would — a statement that implicitly points toward breaking his agreement with Newcastle. “Possibly if I could but if not, I’ll go take my contract and honour it with Newcastle,” he said. “It’s probably one of the hardest decisions. At the start of this year to choose between either the jersey or my family. I guess at the start of this I chose family and now things have changed and hopefully things can work out the best both ways.”

Fineanganofo said he expects clarity within “a few weeks. Hopefully soon.”

Newcastle confirmed his signing in January, with sporting general manager Neil McIlroy describing the winger as an “incredibly exciting talent” with “real cutting edge in attack.”

All Blacks head coach Rennie acknowledged the situation while making clear the squad’s immediate position. “I think that’s the process that he’s going through, but what we know is he’s contracted here till November,” Rennie said. “His form has been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him. So, yeah, I guess he’ll work through that in time.”

World Rugby regulations prevent New Zealand Rugby from interfering with existing overseas contracts, meaning the decision rests entirely with Fineanganofo and his representatives.