Newcastle Red Bulls confirm signing of English qualified Maori All Blacks star for next season

The 28-year-old will make the move to Kingston Park after a long and successful spell with the Hurricanes, where he has become a familiar and reliable presence in the front row. Raketi-Stones has played 52 Super Rugby matches for the Wellington-based franchise since making his debut against the Stormers in 2020, bringing up his 50th appearance in a clash with the Crusaders last season.

Comfortable on both sides of the scrum, Raketi-Stones has built a strong reputation for consistency and durability. At provincial level, he has featured 94 times for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC, winning the Ranfurly Shield on two occasions and helping the Magpies claim the NPC Championship in 2020.

His pedigree extends onto the international stage, having represented the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV, while also enjoying success at age-grade level as a Junior World champion with New Zealand Under-20s, alongside two Oceania Rugby U20 Championship titles.

Raketi-Stones said he is relishing the challenge of joining Newcastle at a pivotal moment in the club’s development.

“Signing with Newcastle Red Bulls is an exciting chapter. They’re building something great, and I can’t wait to add to it. I’m really looking forward to working hard with this group and making our fans proud.”

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy believes the forward’s experience will prove invaluable as the club continues to grow.

“Pouri has been a really consistent performer for a number of years now, and we’re very happy to have secured his signature. He has played at a high level and forged a strong reputation in the front row, which will help us build solid foundations as we look to move this club on to the next level.”

While his future lies in England, Raketi-Stones remains fully committed to the Hurricanes for the 2026 campaign, where he is expected to play a key role both on and off the field.

Reflecting on his impending departure, the prop paid tribute to the club that has shaped his Super Rugby career.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been a Hurricane over the past seven years,” Raketi-Stones said. The Hurricanes are all I’ve ever known in my Super Rugby career, and I’m really proud of everything I’ve done in the black-and-yellow jersey. That wouldn’t have been possible without the coaches and culture at the club since I’ve been here.

“Both my wife and I have made friendships and memories for life, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the club. I’d also like to make a special shoutout to the current coaching staff from the past three seasons. I have particularly noticed my growth as a player during this time.

“As sad as I am to leave this club, I am excited to create a home in the UK with my family and take everything I’ve learned from both the Hurricanes and Magpies to really lock in and give it my all.”

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw acknowledged the impact Raketi-Stones has had during his time with the franchise.

“Pouri’s a true Hurricane. He’s played 90-odd games for Hawke’s Bay, came through the Hawke’s Bay and Hurricanes systems, and is a 50-cap Hurricane,” Laidlaw said. "It’s something we’re really proud of, that he’s a true Hurricane.

“We think he’s in a real sweet spot in his career. He’s really matured into a top professional, he’s set-up off the field, married and with his family, and we think he’s playing his best rugby. We wish him, Lily, Jax, and Isla all the best for their journey overseas and look forward to watching his career. We hope he does really well and enjoys his new club.”

Raketi-Stones’ move follows confirmation earlier this week that Hurricanes teammate Fehi Fineanganofo will also be heading to Newcastle Red Bulls, underlining the club’s intent as it builds towards the next phase of its project.

1. Played multiple front-row positions early — Rakete-Stones started out mainly at hooker in school rugby before becoming a specialist prop at senior level, showcasing his versatility in the front five.

2. Shone on the world stage as a U20 — He scored a try in the New Zealand U20 side’s record 64-17 victory over England in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship final.

3. Dual All Blacks representative — While he hasn’t yet become a full All Blacks Test player, he represented the All Blacks XV on their 2022 Northern Tour against the Barbarians and Ireland A.

4. Māori All Blacks regular — Rakete-Stones has been a consistent part of the Māori All Blacks setup since 2019, making multiple appearances against international teams like Japan XV and Scotland.

5. Key NPC honours with Hawke’s Bay — Beyond Super Rugby, he’s been instrumental in Hawke’s Bay’s success — including two Ranfurly Shield tenures and an NPC Championship in 2020.