Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed the signing of highly-rated New Zealand winger Fehi Fineanganofo on a two-year contract, ahead of the 2026-27 Gallagher Premiership season. The 23-year-old speedster joins the club from Bay of Plenty at the provincial level and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, bringing a proven try-scoring pedigree to the Red Bulls’ backline.

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Rapid Rise Through New Zealand Rugby

Fineanganofo has made a name for himself as one of New Zealand’s brightest young rugby talents. He has featured prominently for Bay of Plenty, scoring 16 tries in 24 appearances, while his Super Rugby stint with the Hurricanes yielded six tries in 12 games last season.

He has also represented New Zealand in rugby sevens, including at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further demonstrating his versatility, pace, and finishing ability on the international stage.

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Player Reaction: Excited for the Next Chapter

Speaking to the Newcastle Red Bulls official website, Fineanganofo expressed his excitement for the move:

“I’m really excited for this new challenge and opportunity at Newcastle Red Bulls, but my main focus right now is Super Rugby and NPC here in New Zealand. I’m super grateful to New Zealand Rugby, the All Black Sevens, Bay of Plenty, and Hurricanes for the chance to achieve my dream of becoming a professional player.”

He added:

“I want to end off this year the right way and chase trophies in both Super Rugby and NPC. After that, I can’t wait to start a new chapter with Newcastle Red Bulls, and the brand of rugby they want to bring to the Gallagher Premiership.”

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Club Perspective: A Talent to Watch

Newcastle Red Bulls Sporting General Manager Neil McIlroy highlighted the winger’s rapid development and potential impact on the Premiership:

“He has enjoyed a pretty rapid rise in New Zealand through their sevens programme and into Super Rugby. We see Newcastle Red Bulls as a great stage to showcase his talents.”

McIlroy emphasized that Fineanganofo’s pace, finishing ability, and versatility will provide the Red Bulls with a potent attacking weapon for the upcoming seasons.

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Career Highlights

• Super Rugby (Hurricanes): 12 appearances, 6 tries in 2025 season.
• Bay of Plenty: 24 appearances, 16 tries.
• Rugby Sevens: Represented New Zealand, including Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Known for speed, agility, and finishing ability in both 15s and sevens formats.

At just 23, Fineanganofo joins Newcastle with both experience and potential, poised to make an immediate impact in the Gallagher Premiership. His arrival reflects the club’s strategy of blending emerging international talent with domestic experience to strengthen their squad depth and attacking options.