Fehi Fineanganofo, the 23‑year‑old New Zealand wing who matched the Hurricanes’ single‑season try record with 16 scores, faces a split decision after a January announcement that Newcastle Red Bulls would sign him for next season. The move would bar him from the All Blacks, a risk the player’s camp weighs against a lucrative overseas deal before season introduction contingent future.

New Zealand Rugby has denied any role in a supposed U‑turn, insisting its stance remains unchanged since chief executive Steve Lancaster’s interview two weeks ago. Lancaster said the union does not buy players out of contracts, leaving Fineanganofo’s choice solely on him. Newcastle’s £200,000‑per‑year offer still outpaces what he could earn staying at home and in the season by year.

Fineanganofo’s agent Bruce Sharrock, who handled Waisake Naholo’s Clermont deal, argues that New Zealand Rugby could negotiate a deal with Newcastle if it wishes to keep the player available for coach Dave Rennie. World Rugby forbids unions from inducing contract breaches, so any resolution would have to respect both club and international regulations for the future career of the wing player.