Kini Naholo returns to Hurricanes lineup after 12 months on sidelines

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Kini Naholo is poised to make his long-awaited return from an ACL injury against Moana Pasifika.

It is a familiar storyline: a Hurricanes No 11 topping Super Rugby’s try-scoring charts before heading overseas.

Before Fehi Fineanganofo’s breakout 2026 campaign, which has him on the verge of breaking the competition’s single-season try record, it was Kini Naholo terrorising defences down the left wing.

Naholo scored eight tries in 10 appearances for the Hurricanes last year before a season-ending ACL injury against the Chiefs derailed both his campaign and a planned overseas move, believed to be to Japan.

Instead, the 27-year-old signed a one-year extension with the Hurricanes to complete his rehabilitation in Wellington.

Now, after 12 months on the sidelines, Naholo is set to make his long-awaited return, named on the bench for the match against struggling Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.

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It is an extra boost for the Hurricanes, who sit top of the Super Rugby standings with four rounds remaining and already boast the competition’s leading try-scorer. Fineanganofo is just one try shy of equalling Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s record haul of 16 in a season.

After the Hurricanes thumped Moana Pasifika 52-10 in their season opener, the stage appears set for Fineanganofo to at least match the record before potentially making way for Naholo, though coach Clark Laidlaw has raised the prospect of fielding both lethal finishers together.

“You saw last year up until he did get injured, he was the form left winger in the competition, so it’s a sliding doors moment for Fehi and the way he’s been playing,” Laidlaw said.

“The injury happens and he stays, the injury happens and Fehi plays. That’s the nature of the beast, it’s always changing in front of you, but to have him back, it’s a real boost at this stage of the season.

“It’ll be nice to see them on the field together. Fehi has played on the right a fair bit, so if there’s an opportunity in the game we could look at that, but Kini’s power and pace – he’s been clocking PBs on his GPS – so he’s ready to go.”

Naholo tuned up for his Super Rugby comeback with two appearances for Taranaki club Clifton over the past fortnight, scoring six tries across the two matches.

After a false start, suffering a heel injury five minutes into a match for the Hurricanes’ development team six weeks ago, Naholo said he was itching to return.

“I’ve done all the rehab, so I need to trust that I’ve done all the work that I need to get my body right,” Naholo said.

“Obviously it was a bit different playing club rugby but I enjoy going back to the ‘Naki and playing. It was a good feeling. Being back playing rugby again and scoring tries, it’s something that I love to do.”