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So close yet so far: players out of reach for the All Blacks shine in Super Rugby

Hurricanes winger Fehi Fineanganofo and Japan-based lock Warner Dearns are dominating Super Rugby, yet both remain ineligible for All Blacks selection. Fineanganofo has signed with the Newcastle Red Bulls, while Dearns remains contracted to Toshiba for two more years.
Fineanganofo, 23, signed a two-year deal with the Newcastle Red Bulls, taking him out of All Blacks contention. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Dearns has two years remaining on his Toshiba contract, having played for the Japan national team since 2021.
Fineanganofo's 15 tries in 10 matches this season nearly broke the tournament record, making him a standout candidate for new head coach Dave Rennie. Rennie might find players in Super Rugby who are ineligible for All Blacks selection especially tantalizing.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw praised Fineanganofo as a "genuine X-factor" for the competition, noting it would be nice to keep him in New Zealand. Fineanganofo explained he wants to provide for his family and explore new opportunities abroad.
While Fineanganofo's Hurricanes sit atop the Super Rugby table, the ACT Brumbies have slipped to sixth place after a 30-21 loss to the Queensland Reds. The Brumbies have maintained a constant playoff presence for the past six full seasons.

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