Newcastle Red Bulls' biggest signing is looking to pull out of move

Fehi Fineanganofo has cast major doubt over his impending move to the Newcastle Red Bulls following his recent selection for the All Blacks.

The 23-year-old Hurricanes winger, who enjoyed a breakthrough season by equalling the Super Rugby Pacific record with 17 tries, was named as one of four uncapped players in Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad for the upcoming Nations Championship.

Fineanganofo had originally signed a two-year deal with the Gallagher PREM side earlier this year, a move that was expected to pause his international ambitions in New Zealand.

However, speaking to journalist Jamie Wall and other New Zealand media after his national call-up, the winger admitted his future remains uncertain.

“I actually don’t know,” Fineanganofo 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 his preference was to remain in New Zealand, Fineanganofo admitted he would, which obviously suggests breaking his contract with Newcastle.

“Possibly if I could but if not, I’ll go take my contract and honour it with Newcastle,” he stated. “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 added that he expects to have clarity on his future in the next “Few weeks. Hopefully soon.”

Fehi Fineanganofo headed to Newcastle after all? pic.twitter.com/h4mhRw06t2

— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) June 22, 2026

The uncertainty comes after Newcastle confirmed his signing back in January, heralding the arrival of the “Kiwi break-out sensation.” At the time, Newcastle Red Bulls’ sporting general manager Neil McIlroy praised Fineanganofo as an “incredibly exciting talent” with “real cutting edge in attack”.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie was equally guarded when discussing Fineanganofo’s long-term availability. “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”.