Rennie confirms Fineanganofo's All Blacks call-up despite looming Newcastle move

Dave Rennie has named Fehi Fineanganofo in his first All Blacks squad for the 2026 Nations Championship, confirming the Hurricanes winger’s selection despite uncertainty surrounding a pre-agreed move to English club Newcastle Red Bulls, set to begin at the start of the 2027 season.

Fineanganofo finished the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with 17 tries, a tally that Rennie described as “irresistible” when pressed on the winger’s situation. “His form has been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him,” Rennie said. “I think that’s the process that he’s going through, but what we know is he’s contracted here till November. So, yeah, I guess he’ll work through that in time.”

Rumours have circulated in rugby circles that Fineanganofo may be seeking a way out of his Newcastle contract, with reports suggesting the English club is unhappy at the prospect of the deal collapsing. When Fineanganofo signed with the Red Bulls earlier in 2026, many assumed his All Blacks prospects would be paused for at least two years under the terms typically associated with overseas-based players.

Fineanganofo is one of four uncapped players in Rennie’s squad. His Hurricanes teammate Josh Moorby, also uncapped, earned a call-up alongside prop Xavier Numia and Anton Segner. The selection of Moorby and Fineanganofo underlines the strength of the Hurricanes’ back line this season.

Rennie, working alongside selectors Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry, also confirmed that Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah has been added to the squad as an injury replacement for Tupou Vaa’i, who is recovering from concussion.

Ardie Savea was separately confirmed as All Blacks captain under Rennie’s tenure, with the announcement made alongside the Nations Championship squad on Monday.