Fineanganofo delays Newcastle move to pursue 2027 World Cup place

Newcastle Red Bulls have agreed to postpone Fehi Fineanganofo's arrival until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, allowing the New Zealand wing to remain eligible for All Blacks selection. BBC Sport reported that the 24-year-old will spend another season with the Hurricanes before taking up a revised two-season contract with the English club.

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The agreement changes the timing of a move first announced in January. Fineanganofo had signed for two campaigns beginning this season, but his Newcastle contract will now cover 2027-28 and 2028-29. Under New Zealand's selection rules, moving overseas this year would have taken him out of international contention, including for the World Cup, which starts in October 2027.

Fineanganofo's international prospects changed after an outstanding Super Rugby campaign with the Wellington-based Hurricanes. He set a record for tries in a single season of the competition and made his New Zealand debut against France in July. Staying in the country gives him the chance to compete for a World Cup place, although selection is not assured. He expressed gratitude for Newcastle's flexibility and reaffirmed his commitment to joining after the tournament.

Newcastle sporting general manager Neil McIlroy backed the player's ambition to represent his country at the World Cup. In comments carried by BBC Sport, McIlroy said the club expected the additional international experience to enhance what Fineanganofo could offer on arrival. The revised arrangement follows months of uncertainty: New Zealand Rugby denied in June that it was assembling a deal to release him from his Newcastle contract.

The delay also changes the timetable outlined recently by Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland, who had expected Fineanganofo to arrive in November and feature this season. Newcastle began their league campaign with Werner Kok and Christian Wade as their first-choice wings. Kok, previously with Ulster, joined in June as questions about Fineanganofo's move grew, while Wade is 35.

McIlroy said Newcastle were satisfied with their existing squad's quality and depth but left open the possibility of recruiting another outside back if a suitable player became available. No additional signing was announced in the report. Newcastle opened their league season with a 59-26 defeat away to defending champions Northampton on Friday and are due to host Leicester on Saturday.