The Crusaders have won the race for electric Taranaki wing Kini Naholo, Stuff can reveal.
Naholo, the 22-year-old brother of former All Blacks, has been the most dangerous outside back in the NPC this season, standing out on the left wing for Taranaki.
That form had alerted the likes of the Highlanders, but the Crusaders have swooped to add Naholo to an already stacked backline.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge would not comment when approached about the Naholo signing, but Stuff understands that Naholo will replace Manasa Mataele in the Crusaders squad for 2022.
Mataele, who also played for Taranaki before joining the Crusaders, has taken up a contract with the Western Force for Super Rugby Pacific.
After an injury-plagued spell at the Chiefs, Naholo has lit up the NPC with his play in the Taranaki No 11 jersey, beating defenders with ease and displaying a clever kicking game off either boot.
However, competition at the Crusaders will be fierce, with George Bridge, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece and Leicester Fainga’anuku among the back-three options.
Kini’s older brother Waisake is currently playing for Canterbury in the NPC and is also on the lookout for a Super Rugby contract, with the Highlanders declaring an interest if he can overcome his knee issue.
News of the signing will come as a blow to Highlanders fans, who had been hoping Kini would move to the deep south, particularly after the ACL injury to Jona Nareki.
Highlanders head coach Tony Brown told Stuff at the start of September that he was tracking Naholo’s progress with interest.
“I followed his performance in the second NPC game, where he played really well,” Brown said.
“He’s got his knee heavily strapped, he’s had a lot of injury concerns as well.
“But seeing him the NPC, if that gets back up again, is going to be good to watch. They might play each other and mark each other, and the best Naholo might get the contract.”
However, the Crusaders’ track record of turning players into All Blacks – even if they aren’t first-choice selections – is a significant carrot for younger players.
The Crusaders could also play up to 17 games next year – if they make the Super Rugby Pacific final –and Naholo is therefore likely to get his chance on the end of a backline that has former or current All Blacks in every position.
