Fehi Fineanganofo, who signed a two-year contract with Newcastle's Red Bulls in January, will now have to wait an additional year to join the club after being called up to represent the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team. Initially expected to be a key player for the Premier Rugby (PREM) season, his first call-up to the national team has raised questions about his immediate move to the club. Fineanganofo earned his first cap with the All Blacks during the Nations Championship, a series of international rugby matches, and also participated in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour, a high-profile series between top teams. To qualify for the 2027 World Cup, he has signed a one-year contract with the Hurricanes, a Super Rugby team in New Zealand, and the New Zealand Rugby Federation. He will only officially become a Newcastle player after the competition concludes. Fineanganofo expressed gratitude to Newcastle for its support and understanding, emphasizing his commitment to joining the club after the tournament. Clark Laidlaw, the coach of the Hurricanes, stated that retaining Fineanganofo for another season is a blessing. He highlighted Fineanganofo's impressive 2026 season, which included winning the Super Rugby Pacific title, setting a record for the most tries scored, and being selected to play for the All Blacks. Neil McIlroy, the sports director of the Red Bulls, supports Fineanganofo's pursuit of the 2027 World Cup, believing the international experience will enhance the skills he already considers "devastating." Anticipating this development, Newcastle had already recruited a replacement before the season began. The new player is Werner Kok, a former player at Toulouse Stadium, who now joins from Ulster. Kok plays in a different style compared to Fineanganofo, which may bring new dynamics to the team.