Rugby Coach Asks Fans to Fund Star's Stay in New Zealand

When your 23-year-old winger scores 14 tries in a single season, you'll try just about anything to keep him around.

Clark Laidlaw, coach of New Zealand's Hurricanes rugby team, made a cheeky request after watching Fehi Fineanganofo score four tries in Saturday night's 45-12 victory over the Brumbies. He asked the reporters in the room if they could chip in to keep the star player in the country.

Team captain Jordie Barrett took the joke further, suggesting they might need to start a GoFundMe campaign. The lighthearted plea highlights a bittersweet reality for New Zealand rugby: their best young talent often heads overseas for better pay.

Fineanganofo is leaving for England's Newcastle club at season's end. At just 23 years old, he's already attracting calls for selection to the All Blacks, New Zealand's legendary national team.

But Laidlaw sees a silver lining in the situation. "He's only 23, his best rugby is ahead of him," the coach said. "Hopefully he continues to improve" and possibly returns to New Zealand later in his career.

Barrett revealed there's an internal campaign among teammates to change Fineanganofo's mind. "He gets the odd jab in the ribs and an arm around him to stay," Barrett said with a smile.

Why This Inspires

Behind the jokes lies genuine appreciation for exceptional talent and the close bonds between teammates. Barrett described the thrill of having a player in such explosive form: "The job is to get him the ball."

Even after his first-half hat trick, Fineanganofo got constructive feedback at halftime. Laidlaw admitted giving him "a little bit of a hurry-up" about his positioning when he didn't have the ball. The young winger responded by scoring again in the second half.

The Hurricanes are building something special this season. All seven tries against the Brumbies came from their wingers, showing the depth of talent across the team.

While Fineanganofo has made his decision for himself and his family, there's still time before he departs in June. His teammates will keep nudging, joking, and hoping he might reconsider.

For now, New Zealand fans are savoring every moment of watching a young star shine brightly on home soil.