Leicester Fainga'anuku was born on August 7, 1999, in Tonga. A star on the rise, the blockbusting outside back is a former Nelson College First XV product, who won the Phillip McDonald Memorial Medal for the UC Championship’s MVP in 2017.
Fainga'anuku moved to New Zealand at a young age, he has since represented NZ Secondary Schools’, Junior Knights, Crusaders Knights and the NZ Under 20 side, He made his provincial debut for Tasman in 2018 and was quickly identified as a promising young talent.
Faingaanuku made his provincial debut for the Tasman Mako against Otago in 2018 and joined the Crusaders as one of five new players in 2019.
In 2019, Fainga'anuku was signed by the Crusaders and made his Super Rugby debut in a match against the Highlanders. He quickly made an impact, scoring two tries in his first two matches for the team. Ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season, Fainga'anuku has been named again for the Crusaders squad.
At 188 cm tall and 109 kg, he’s a versatile back who can play both midfield and wing and was a key part of the Tasman Mako team that went back-to-back in the 2019 and 2020 NPC Premiership. He tasted more success with the championship winning Crusaders side in the 2022 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
Fainga'anuku made his Test debut against Ireland at Eden Park on July 2, 2022.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Fainga'anuku has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
S.C march 2023
Career
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RC Toulon Left Wing |
2023 - present |
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Barbarians Left Wing |
2024 - present |
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New Zealand U20's Left Wing |
2018 - 2022 |
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South Island Left Wing |
2020 - 2022 |
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All Blacks XV Left Wing |
2022 - 2023 |
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Nelson College Left Wing |
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Crusaders Left Wing |
2019 - 2023 |
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Tasman Mako Left Wing |
2019 - 2024 |
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New Zealand Left Wing |
2022 - 2024 |
