Leicester Fainga'anuku of New Zealand. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Blockbusting All Blacks winger Leicester Fainga'anuku will return from France to New Zealand Rugby after signing a two-season Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders.
Fainga'anuku will return to the Crusaders for the 2026 season, once his 18-month contract at French club Toulon finishes midway through next year.
The 24-year-old will be a welcome addition for the Crusaders, who won a title in each of the five seasons he played there, including last year when he scored 13 tries in 13 appearances.
He has played seven tests, including four at last year's World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Uruguay and also crossed in the tense quarter-final win over Ireland.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mainsbridge was pleased to lure back Fainga'anuku, who has just begun his second season with Toulon.
Crusaders winger Leicester Fainga'anuku is congratulated by teammates, 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"He's an outstanding young man who has continued to show what a remarkable athlete he is during his time in Europe," Mainsbridge said.
"It was wonderful to connect with him when he joined us to watch the Crusaders play Munster in January and it felt like he hadn't left."
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said the move was "fantastic news for rugby in New Zealand".
"Leicester is a huge asset to any team he is a part of, so to have him back in Christchurch is really positive," Penney said.
"He has plenty of years left to play at the top level, and we're all very pleased he's chosen to return to the Crusaders."