All Blacks winger decides to leave New Zealand Rugby – report
All Blacks and Crusaders winger Leicester Fainga’anuku is set to head overseas at the end of the year after deciding not to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby.
According to new Zealand website Stuff, the two-Test All Black is expected to sign with Challenge Cup winners Toulon – but has been linked with other French clubs including Lyon and Clermont.
Fainga’anuku joined the Crusaders’ academy when he was just 15-years-old, and later signed a professional deal with the Super Rugby juggernauts ahead of the 2019 season.
Year after year, week after week, the now 23-year-old hasn’t looked back. Fainga’anuku has been brilliant for both club and country, and would have to be in the mix for this year’s World Cup squad.
Playing on the left wing for the champion Crusaders, Fainga’anuku has been sensational throughout this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The utility back is currently equal-first with high flying Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson for the most tries scored this season with 10, which included a devastating double against the Brumbies.
It almost goes without saying that if true, this report is a tough blow for both the Crusaders and All Blacks moving forward.
Fainga’anuku has been named the Crusaders Player of the Match three times this season – the most of any player, as seen on the team’s Instagram page.
While it would’ve been incredibly entertaining to see the explosive winger line up alongside rampaging centre Levi Aumua next season, it seems that won’t be happening.
Comments
Join free and tell us what you really think!
Join Free
Latest Comments
Retallick and whitelock still good enough to take on the best but they have to produce the quality several games in a row. Who do the Kiwis have after they and Scott b? At least the front row will be okay. Back row interesting coz Sam came and Ardie look sorta essential but can it work? Works better with brodies work rate but still.. what do you think nick. Can they get away without the backup locks?
Go to commentsHe’s probably right. The Boks are going to play like the Boks and that’s hard to shake but on saying that the Boks were done in Brighton and pressured by Japan in Japan. Dunno what tongas got in the front row but their loosies will be powerful and their back three very dangerous. Maybe Adam coleman at lock and sekope kepu up front?
Go to comments