Knee scans reveal the worst for All Blacks hopeful Kini Naholo

Kini Naholo has ruptured his ACL. The club confirmed the diagnosis on social media Tuesday, confirming the winger will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

The rising star went down in the Hurricanes’ round 12 win over the Chiefs, suffering the non-contact injury in just the seventh minute of the game.

Bailyn Sullivan replaced Naholo and went on to score four tries in the win.

Naholo had been one of the form wingers in New Zealand in 2025 after an All Blacks XV selection in 2024 signalled his favour among national selectors.

The younger brother of former All Black Waisake, Kini has provided glimpses of similar game-breaking talent in his three seasons with the Hurricanes and one with the Crusaders.

The power-wing had started 10 games for the Hurricanes on the left edge, scoring a team-high eight tries. He now faces what is typically a nine-month recovery period.

 

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With Naholo out of the picture for the remainder of the season, the Hurricanes have a number of prospects to turn to.

The aforementioned Sullivan thrived on the right flank in the No. 23 jersey against the Chiefs, and has superb form from earlier rounds where he started at 13.

Former All Blacks Sevens flyer Fehi Fineanganofo has proven to be a superb finisher in his limited minutes during his debut Super Rugby season. Daniel Sinkinson and Kade Banks have seen little game time in 2025 but are sure to put their hands up, also.

The Hurricanes had a bye week in round 13, but were hit by Covid, which spread throughout the squad. They face the Highlanders at home in round 14.