Source: Radio New Zealand
Kini Naholo was set to make a move overseas last year before the ACL rupture. Steve McArthur / Photosport
Sport can be a cruel arena.
Hurricane Kini Naholo knows just how brutal it can be, as injuries have ravaged the Fijian winger’s career.
Since electrifying the national first XV scene with 40 tries in 20 games for Hastings Boys’ High in 2017, Naholo has been struck down with ankle, hip, hamstring, and two major ACL injures.
The first came in 2020 on Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs, which resulted in him playing his first three Super Rugby games for three different franchises, across three years as he landed in Wellington after a one-match stint with the Crusaders.
But in 2025, a fully fit Naholo appeared at the peak of his powers across the opening 10 rounds for the Hurricanes, leading the try scoring charts with eight and being touted for an All Black call-up.
Then, the injury curse struck Naholo down again, a ruptured ACL this time requiring surgery and eight months on the sideline.
Despite yet another setback, he has not slipped into a dark place.
“I guess it makes it easy. Not in a good way but because I know the struggles I’ve had when I did my first one. I know the process I have to go through and obviously it’s a little bit more significant than my first one but mentally I’m in a good space.”
He maintains a philosophical approach to injury.
“Obviously it wasn’t part of my plan but it is what it is, that’s rugby, everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be back again with the club. If I’m meant to be here, I’m meant to be here. It can get a bit lonely at times when you’re doing rehab on your own, but I’ve gone through that a couple of times, my mindset is pretty strong. I’m just keen to I guess get back on the field and see what happens.”
After finishing fourth in the 2025 Super season, Naholo believes the ‘Canes can win their first title since 2016. Photosport / Elias Rodriguez
Naholo said he has sought advice from older brother and former All Black Waisake, who also endued his fair share of injuries during his playing time.
“He told me to listen to my body a bit more because I’m getting a bit older. When you’re a little bit younger you’re trying to push yourself but after a couple of surgeries I need to listen to my body a little bit more, I guess [that’s] the main thing that he’s been telling me.”
Naholo was set to make a move overseas last year before the ACL rupture, instead opting to re-sign with the Hurricanes and remain in Aotearoa.
“I just want to get my knee right, my body sorted and come into the season strong. I was looking for a new environment, new change. I’ve been playing in New Zealand for a while now. But I’m happy to be back when the news came that I couldn’t go. The coaches were happy and my family were happy as well to be here. I would like to play my games here with the Canes and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
With the likes of Jordie Barret re-joining the ranks in the capital, Naholo said there was some serious depth being built.
“It adds a bit more competition in the squad. There’s only 23 players going to play. But injury happens every week, so we talk about the next man up, everyone’s got to be ready for your chance, everyone’s got to be on the same page.”
After finishing fourth in the 2025 Super season, Naholo believes the ‘Canes can go deep and win their first title since 2016.
“Everyone’s pretty confident in how we’re going, we’ve got some new players, new coaching staff coming back and I think hopefully we can do a little better.”
As for whether the surgery has cost him any speed?
“My knee is slowing me down a bit at the moment, but I’m pretty confident I’ll get back there.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
