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Murray Mexted, former All Black and rugby legend, criticizes young winger Fehi Fineanganofo for leaving New Zealand's Super Rugby for the struggling Newcastle Red Bulls. This decision raises eyebrows as Fineanganofo has been a standout performer, scoring 10 tries and leading the Hurricanes to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
Mexted expresses disbelief over Fineanganofo's choice, suggesting that the move to the English PREM Rugby, despite financial backing from Red Bull, risks his development at a crucial point in his career. With Newcastle at the bottom of the league, the former All Black fears this decision signifies a broader issue: the decline of rugby in New Zealand.
On the Devlin Sports Podcast, Mexted stresses that New Zealand Rugby must maintain its policy of selecting locally-based players for the All Blacks. He argues that diluting competition by allowing players to leave undermines the strength of the domestic game. Mexted highlights that the current leadership has neglected grassroots rugby, contributing to its gradual decline.
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