🔥 Trending Samipeni Finau: All Blacks and Chiefs Player's Move to Japan Explained

Samipeni Finau is a Tongan-born New Zealand professional rugby union player ¹⁷. He is primarily known for playing as a Lock or Flanker ¹, though he has also played as a loose forward and fullback earlier in his career ²⁷.

Finau has represented several prominent teams throughout his career:

• Chiefs: He plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby ¹²⁷. In the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, he played 683 minutes, made 243 meters with the ball, beat 14 defenders, and scored 3 tries ³.
• Waikato: He also plays for Waikato in the Bunnings National Provincial Championship (NPC) ¹⁷.
• All Blacks: Finau is an All Black, representing the New Zealand national team ⁴⁷.

Early Life and Career

Born on May 10, 1999, in Tonga ¹⁷, Finau played much of his early rugby at fullback before transitioning to loose forward positions ². His versatility, speed, and power are notable aspects of his playing style ². In 2017, he was selected for the New Zealand Schools Barbarians team ².

Recent Developments

As of 2026, Samipeni Finau has announced his departure from the Gallagher Chiefs ⁴⁸. He is set to move to Japan for the next stage of his career ⁴. Despite this move, he has stated that the Chiefs will "always be home" to him ⁴.