Samipeni Finau is heading to Yokohama Canon Eagles. Photo: Jesse Wood
St Peter’s School Cambridge alumni Samipeni Finau and Laghlan McWhannell are heading to play rugby in Japan.
Seemingly unwanted by the new All Blacks management, Chiefs enforcer Finau has signed with the Leon MacDonald-coached Yokohama Canon Eagles.
He will be joined there by several New Zealanders including Hautapu and Blues lock McWhannell.
Laghlan McWhannell will also join Yokohama Canon Eagles, likely after his 50th Waikato match. Photo: The Blues
“I’m excited to be joining the team and very keen to contribute to a successful campaign,” McWhannell said.
The pair, both 27, will likely head there following the Waikato NPC season.
Māori All Blacks lock McWhannell has played 46 Waikato games and will be aiming to hit 50 before his departure.
According to Rugby Database, Finau has played 132 first-class games on New Zealand shores since 2019, when he first represented the Mooloo men and New Zealand Under 20.
To date, 103 of those have been alongside fellow St Peter’s alumni Ollie Norris and 83 with Cambridge’s Luke Jacobson.
Chiefs 2026 squad members Xavier Roe, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Lalakai Foketi, Liam Coombes-Fabling and Reuben O’Neill have also confirmed their movements overseas.
Acknowledging his five years and 75 games with the Chiefs, Finau shared his respect for the jersey.
“My time at the Chiefs will always be one that I will cherish. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m really grateful for the people, the memories and the chance to represent this club,” Finau said.
He played 12 tests for the All Blacks after making his first appearance in 2023 under coach Ian Foster.
He made an immediate impact, scoring on debut against Australia in Dunedin as the All Blacks came from behind to win 23-20.
Samipeni Finau is heading to Yokohama Canon Eagles. Photo: Jesse Wood
