Free-scoring All Blacks wing Fehi Fineanganofo has convinced Newcastle Red Bulls to delay his arrival on Tyneside so he can chase his dream of playing at the Rugby World Cup.
It was originally announced back in January that the 24-year-old had agreed a two-year deal with Newcastle, beginning at the start of the current campaign.
However, Fineanganofo’s exceptional form with the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Super Rugby then propelled him into Test reckoning.
He made his New Zealand debut against France in July.
Under All Blacks selection rules, a move overseas this year would have put Fineanganofo’s emerging international career on ice and ruled him out of contention for the Rugby World Cup, which begins in October 2027.
Newcastle have therefore allowed Fineanganofo to stay with the Hurricanes, for whom he broke the record for the most tries in a single Super Rugby campaign this year, for an extra season.
His Newcastle deal is still for two campaigns, but now covers the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons instead.
“I’m really grateful to Newcastle Red Bulls for the support and understanding they’ve shown me,” said Fineanganofo.
“The opportunity to stay in New Zealand and push for selection for the Rugby World Cup means a huge amount, and I’m fully committed to joining the club after the tournament and giving everything I can to the team.”
Newcastle’s sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027, which marries with our own philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to achieve their ambitions.
“Fehi’s arrival in 2027, with additional international experience that will only add to his already devastating qualities as a top-class winger, is another statement of intent around where this club is going.”
The compromise ends long-running uncertainty about Fineanganofo’s future.
McIlroy kept open the possibility of adding to the club’s options in that position.
“We are more than happy with the quality and depth that our existing squad possesses, but may yet choose to add to the outside back position if a player of the required standard becomes available,” he said.
Newcastle lost 59-26 away to defending champions Northampton on Friday in their league opener, and will take on Leicester at home on Saturday.
Northampton Saints’ Tommy Freeman told BBC Radio Northampton:
“Good start and lots of points on the board which good to see but I think there is loads more in us which is what we said at half-time, but overall a good result.
“Our set piece we need to tighten up a bit on that first phase. Defensively we were caught a bit tight, but credit to Newcastle for stressing us in those areas but we would like to see better movement.
“It is always a challenge and going back-to-back [titles] is not done by many teams. There is a reason for that but we will be looking to take each week as it comes and keep putting our DNA on the pitch.”
Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland told BBC Radio Newcastle:
“We put a lot of good stuff out there but we were tested today by a really, really good team. We know where we stand now and where we’ve got to work. We have a long jounrey ahead of us and that was the first step.
“It was a fantastic score when we had a length of the field try and that was really us and we also had a lot of defensive sets where we had showed really good scramble and stopped them from scoring.
“But the game is up and down. We had that yellow card and then we had three tries which were scored during that yellow, and the try just before half-time was a real killer.
“Maybe we left a couple of tries out there but there is plenty in that that we will take away and see as a real positive.”
IF YOU fancy a night out, the UK has some cracking spots – from more chilled venues to lively spots with big crowds.
One UK city was even recently named as one of the best places to go on a night out in the world.
The UK is one of the best places in the world for a night outCredit: AlamyPlaces like Infernos are legendary but it isn’t just London that is great for clubbingCredit: Cyann Fielding
With so much choice though, it can be hard to know where to go in the city.
So, here are our top spots for a night out across the UK:
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Brighton
Brighton was recently named on of the best cities in the world for a night outCredit: Visit BrightonWhy not book a beach hut, pick some tunes and try out some karaokeCredit: Visit Brighton
According to Time Out, Brighton is the best city to go on a night out in the UK and one of the best spots in the world.
The publication commented: “Brighton’s legacy as the home of the UK’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene continues to thrive.
“Of all cities on this ranking, Brighton received the highest score for its sense of community, with 84 per cent of locals saying it’s easy to make connections in the seaside city.”
Travel reporter Alice Penwill said: “Brighton is fun whatever the weather, and whatever the time.
“During the day you can enjoy the delights of the seaside, then in the evening head to the pubs and club – which is why it’s a hot spot for hens, stags, birthdays and a good ol’night out.
“One of the most popular spots is OHSO Social thanks to its position on the beachfront.
“During the day it has a relaxed vibe full of friends catching up over a pint with live music in the background. Then from the early evening it turns up a notch with DJ events and beach parties.
“You can stay there for the whole day if you like as on Saturdays it opens at 10am and closes at 2am.
“On one wet and windy night in Brighton, myself and some friends ventured to the Beach Huts down on the front to try out some karaoke.
“You can book out the hut, pick the tunes and staff will deliver drinks to you don’t even have to leave to go to the bar and stay singing your heart out instead.”
London
Fairgame next to St Paul’s Cathedral offers street food, cocktails and a host of carnival-style games all in one venueCredit: Fairgame CityBunga 90 is one of the newer attractions in the cityCredit: Trip Advisor
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the capital and when it comes to a night out in London, there really is something for everyone.
For example, the city is home to Britain’s biggest nightclub – Drumsheds.
Able to host up to 15,000 people, the venue is inside a former IKEA warehouse and has various different events including parties, festivals and DJ sessions.
And you’ll be able to find 24-hour cafes in the city as well – for example, you could head to Polo Bar on Liverpool Street which serves full English breakfast 24 hours a day.
Or head to Duck & Waffle which is on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, so you can enjoy panoramic views no matter the time.
There are some other spots that don’t quite run the 24 hours a day but are still worth visiting like Bar Italia for espresso at between 7am and 5am the following day.
Or head to London Night Cafe in Aldgate – a dedicated late-night workspace and lounge.
When it comes to themed bars, London has a load as well.
You can head to Bunga 90 in Covent Garden, where you venture through a time machine disguised as a fridge, back to the 90s – complete with giant pizzas and fun memorabilia.
Or drop by Fairgame right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you can get competitive with different carnival-style games.
Manchester
Manchester has a lot of different gaming bars, including one where you an play real-life Mario KartCredit: AlamyChaos Karts is a fun Mario Kart-like attractionCredit: chaoskarts
Manchester is a a fantastic night out for a late one (with many bars open past 3am) but is also seen as the Gaming Capital of the North.
So for any keen gamers, there loads of fun things to choose from.
Try Chaos Karts, a real-life indoor Mario Kart attraction, or NQ64, with retro arcades and themed drinks.
Of course some of the biggest nights out are found on Canal Street, part of the city’s Gay Village.
Expect everything from live music to drag shows as you bar hop along the pubs.
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey added: “Manchester has a fantastic bar scene with one of the most famous being Schofields, often named one of the best in the UK.
“But my favourites? Try The Morris or Bar Shrimp, both of which have very unique cocktail menus that transport you back in time.
“But if you want to go on into the late hours, end your night at K2, with two floors of karaoke which is open until 4am on weekends.
“And end with some chips and gravy, of course…”
Glasgow
Glasgow has a great western vibe like Maggie’s Rock n’ RodeoCredit: SuppliedThe late-night venue offers live music, sport and a mechanical bull pitCredit: Maggie´s Rock´n´Rodeo
Glasgow was recently named one of Time Out’s best cities to visit in Europe this year, ranking fourth.
Having recently visited the city, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding says she gets it: “Often overshadowed by the capital Edinburgh, Glasgow has a lot to see and do.
“Rather uniquely, Glasgow’s night scene transports you to deep south America. Buck’s Bar is great for famished visitors, with giant chicken burgers and a true Texan vibe inside.
“A couple of doors down, you’ll find Maggie’s Rock n’ Rodeo – and it is as fun as it sounds.
“A small crowd shuffled around the dancefloor, performing a number of different line dances to a live country singer – what could be more fun?
You can even have a go at a mechanical bull at the venue as well.
If you want to continue your night, head to The Park Bar, , which is a traditional and historic Scottish pub dating back to 1895 with live traditional music often including an accordion player.
Newcastle
And in Newcastle you’ll find a tonne of pubs and cool breweriesCredit: AlamyThere is also great live music at St James’ ParkCredit: Alamy
Up in the north, Newcastle is a great spot for a walkable night out with many spots close together.
Former Sun reporter, Ryan Gray said: “Newcastle isn’t just a place for crazy nights out, cheap trebles and drinking shots with celebs.
“It also has more than its fair share of relaxing pubs, perfect for whiling away an evening with a couple of pints.
“Undoubtedly the best place to do that is the Ouseburn Valley, with historic boozers like the Cumberland Arms, the Tyne Bar and the Ship making for a fantastic pub crawl away from the craziness of the city centre.
Here you can head to Free Trade, which has amazing views of the Tyne as well as a beer garden.
The city is also home to some great tap rooms and breweries.
For live music enthusiasts, there are a number of venues with large gigs as well as venues with more intimate shows.
Ryan added: “Smaller venues like the Head of Steam opposite the train station showcase the next generation of musical talent, while the Cluny in the Ouseburn Valley regularly hosts established names.
“Elsewhere, the City Hall and Utilita Arena are your go-to spots for bigger names, while Newcastle United’s football stadium St James’ Park has been known to host blockbuster gigs as well.
“With a scene that has produced the likes of Sam Fender in recent years, going to the smaller venues might be worth your while if you want to catch the next wave of talent before it hits the big time.”
Juventus have announced the arrival of Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham on an initial loan while also agreeing a season-long loan deal for Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade.
The Serie A club will pay Spurs about 2.5m euros (£2.1m) for the loan of Senegal midfielder Sarr.
The club confirmed the deal includes an obligation to buy the 23-year-old for 27.5m euros (£23.6m) if certain conditions are met during the 2026-27 season.
Sarr, who joined Spurs from Metz in 2021, made more than 100 Premier League appearances for the north London club and also helped them win the Europa League in 2025.
He has made 42 appearances for Senegal since his international debut in 2021 and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
The announcement comes after Luciano Spalletti’s side also agreed a loan move for Woltemade, though that deal does not include an option to make it permanent.
The Italian side had been one of a number of clubs from the continent interested in signing the 24-year-old before Tuesday’s deadline.
