All Blacks: Dave Rennie sees test future for Leicester Fainga’anuku as hybrid player

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie confirmed he plans to use Leicester Fainga’anuku in a hybrid role covering midfield, wing, and loose forward. Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Rennie described the 26-year-old as potentially valuable for squad selection, noting that his positional versatility could facilitate a 6-2 bench split. Fainga’anuku remains under consideration for the upcoming end-of-year tour if he performs well over the coming weeks.

Fainga’anuku recently returned to action for Tasman following a three-month layoff caused by a fibula fracture and ankle sprain suffered during Super Rugby Pacific. Although he was forced off for a head injury assessment during Tasman's 50-33 win over Waikato, Rennie noted that continuing to play NPC rugby will provide clarity on his tour readiness.