Lotima Taufo'ou Faingaanuku

Born in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on 26 April 1997, Lotima Taufo'ou Faingaanuku is an outside back who built his game in New Zealand's age-grade system before taking it across the world. A winger who can also slot into the centres, he carries the hallmarks long associated with the New Zealand back three — pace, power in contact and the versatility to cover several positions across the backline. Faingaanuku first drew wider attention as part of the New Zealand Under-20 set-up, and his career has since taken him through a range of environments, including Super Rugby involvement in New Zealand and a spell in the French Top 14 with Perpignan. On the field his value lies in his work as a strike runner: a strong athlete who looks to get on the end of attacking moves, beat defenders one-on-one and turn half-chances into territory and points. Whether stationed on the wing or filling in at centre, he offers a direct, physical presence and the kind of finishing threat that stretches opposition defences.