From Record Breaker to the Big Stage: Fehi Fineanganofo Eyes All Blacks Debut Against France
After a stunning breakthrough season, Fehi Fineanganofo is now in line to make his first-ever appearance for New Zealand when the All Blacks face France this weekend.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — Just weeks after tearing apart Super Rugby defenses and writing his name into the history books, Fehi Fineanganofo is about to step onto the biggest stage of all. The 23-year-old Hurricanes winger has been named in Dave RennieÔÇÖs All Blacks squad and is in line for his Test debut off the bench against France this Saturday in the Nations Championship opener.
FineanganofoÔÇÖs breakout 2026 season was nothing short of phenomenal. The Auckland Grammar product scored a staggering 17 tries, breaking the single-season record and powering the Hurricanes to a thumping 60-5 grand final win over the Chiefs. At 1.86m and 105kg, he combines bruising power with the footwork and speed of a much smaller player. Defenders simply couldnÔÇÖt keep up with him all season.
His path to this point wasnÔÇÖt straightforward. After shining for New Zealand Schools in 2020, injuries and the pandemic slowed his progress. He ground it out with the Bay of Plenty Steamers, then caught fire in the All Blacks Sevens setup. A standout on the World SVNS circuit and at the 2024 Paris Olympics, he earned a Hurricanes contract and never looked back.
Now the boy from Onehunga gets his shot in the famous black jersey. Selected alongside fellow debutants including his Hurricanes teammates Xavier Numia and Josh Moorby, Fineanganofo knows the moment carries huge weight. ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs a dream come true to be named in the All-Blacks squad,ÔÇØ he said. ÔÇ£Growing up, you watch these guys and just want to be one of them. To have the chance now against France is pretty special for me and my family.ÔÇØ
Fehi Fineanganofo of the Hurricanes charges towards the tryline to score during the round 11 Super Rugby match between Hurricanes and ACT Brumbies at One NZ Stadium, on April 25, 2026 in , Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
RennieÔÇÖs team shows a nice mix of youth and experience, with Ruben Love at fly-half and Damian McKenzie at the back. Fineanganofo is expected to inject fresh legs and attacking spark from the bench. Facing a physical and skillful French side wonÔÇÖt be easy, but thatÔÇÖs exactly the test this young winger thrives on.
ThereÔÇÖs an extra layer to the story, though. Fineanganofo has already signed to join Newcastle in England later this year. While overseas moves are common, it means his time in black could be limited unless New Zealand Rugby finds a way to keep him in the long term. For now, everyone involved is focused on making the most of this window.
Those who know Fineanganofo speak of his quiet determination and humble nature. He credits his Pasifika community and the streets of Onehunga for keeping him grounded amid the hype. From schoolboy star to record breaker to potential All Black, his rise feels like a classic New Zealand rugby tale ÔÇö raw talent meeting relentless hard work. SaturdayÔÇÖs match in Christchurch offers the perfect stage. A strong performance could lock in his spot for the Italy test the following week and set the tone for RennieÔÇÖs new era. French defenders will need to be at their sharpest to contain him.
For Fehi Fineanganofo, pulling on that jersey isnÔÇÖt just another game. ItÔÇÖs the realization of years of sacrifice and belief. Whether he gets 20 minutes or the full 80, expect him to play with the same hunger that made him Super RugbyÔÇÖs most dangerous finisher. The All Blacks have a new weapon ÔÇö and the rugby world is watching.