Hurricanes bolster 2027 squad with Fineanganofo and Ta’eiloa

Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes have been boosted by two major signings this week.

All Black Fehi Fineanganofo returns to the side after having initially revealed earlier this year he was leaving for an overseas contract.

However, discussions have since shifted, with the Tonga native now given time to continue with the Hurricanes until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Blockbusting number eight Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa has also joined the champions on a two-year deal beginning next season.

The Hurricanes made the announcements this week, as franchises finalise their squads ahead of the pre-season training period.

Ta’eiloa, who is also of Tongan origin, joins the Hurricanes from Moana Pasifika, where his blockbusting form resulted in a breakthrough All Blacks call-up for their recent tour of South Africa.

The 22-year-old powerhouse went on to make his All Blacks debut during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Hurricanes,” Tupou Ta’eiloa said.

“It’s exciting to be part of such a proud region and I can’t wait to get started. Malo.”

Born in Mangere, Ta’eiloa was raised in South Auckland before shifting south to attend Otago Boys’ High School, where he played alongside fellow Hurricanes recruit Oli Haig.

Establishing his rugby credentials as a star of the school’s First XV, Tupou Ta’eiloa went viral in 2020 after shrugging off nine defenders to score a long-range try that showcased his ball-carrying prowess.

He played for the New Zealand U19 side on their 2022 tour of South Africa, while also making his NPC debut with Southland the following year.

His NPC record stands at 27 appearances and six tries for the Stags.

Ta’eiloa joined Moana Pasifika ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign and made his mark instantly, ending the competition with 205 carries, and was named Moana Pasifika’s Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

He continued as a standout figure during his two years at the club, scoring 11 tries in 25 matches and ultimately becoming the first and only Moana Pasifika player to debut for the All Blacks.

Ta’eiloa made his All Blacks debut in August, featuring in two matches against the Sharks and Lions in South Africa.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is excited about the prospect of Ta’eiloa joining the club over the next two seasons.

“It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal,” the former All Blacks 7s coach said.

“He’s got a lot of potential having already played for a couple of years in Super Rugby Pacific.

“The first time I saw him play was when he was in South Africa with the New Zealand Under-19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in the tackle and in the ball-carry was obvious.

“To be selected by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows what potential he’s got. We really look forward to working with him and helping him fulfil that potential over the next few years. He’s only 22 and his game is going to develop and grow.”

2026 Super Rugby Pacific top try-scorer Fineanganofo has been given time by the English club Newcastle Red Bulls to chase his World Cup dreams.

The Hurricanes said this week a mutual agreement has since been reached to allow Fineanganofo to remain with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby for another year.

Fineanganofo’s retention follows an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific campaign where he and teammate Josh Moorby scored 17 times to jointly set the competition record for most tries in a season during the Hurricanes’ title-winning efforts.

His form was subsequently rewarded with a maiden All Blacks call-up in June, and he has since made three appearances for the national side throughout the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry campaigns.

Fineanganofo will continue to be available for the All Blacks leading into next year’s Rugby World Cup.

“I’m excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes for next season,” Fineanganofo said.

“I’m proud of what we achieved last season, and I’m looking forward to helping defend the Super Rugby title while continuing to put my hand up for the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”

Hurricanes mentor Laidlaw added that the club is excited to have Fineanganofo for the new season.

“It’s great news for the Hurricanes that Fehi will be in New Zealand for another season,” Laidlaw said.

“The opportunity for him to play for us in 2027 is something we’re really excited about. He has obviously had an amazing season in 2026 by winning Super Rugby Pacific, breaking the try-scoring record, and being selected for the All Blacks.

“It’s been a hugely successful year and he can be super proud of his achievements, so we look forward to that continuing next season and seeing him in pre-season once we get back together.”

Meanwhile, former Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea is expected to confirm his new club soon.

Reports claim Savea, the 2026 All Blacks captain, will join the Blues for 2027.

He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury after he was taken off the field in the third Test against the Springboks last month.

Savea was to have joined Moana Pasifika after his sabbatical in Japan, but the North Harbour-based franchise has closed operations because of financial challenges.