Newcastle Red Bulls’ first ‘statement of intent’ as All Blacks snub joins from ‘one of the best teams on the planet’
Tom Christie in action for the Crusaders and Newcastle Red Bulls director of rugby Steve Diamond (inset).
The newly named Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed that they have acquired the services of experienced Crusaders back-rower Tom Christie, who is arriving at the Premiership club in the autumn.
The 27-year-old, who is a three-time Super Rugby winner with the Christchurch-based outfit has joined Newcastle on a two-year contract.
Despite being overlooked for All Blacks selection, Christie has been a regular in the Crusaders‘ matchday squads in recent years which has seen them being victorious in three Super Rugby Pacific finals over the past four years.
He is currently a valuable member of the unbeaten Canterbury side in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC).
Ex-New Zealand U20s captain
Christie is a former New Zealand U20s captain, who plies his trade as an openside flanker, and Newcastle‘s director of rugby Steve Diamond believes he will be a vital cog for the club.
“Tom has been a key man for one of the best teams on the planet over a number of years now,” said the Newcastle boss.
“His signing is a real statement of intent about where we want to take this club, and he will massively add to the quality of our squad.
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“He’s at a fantastic age, he’s in top shape and is brilliant at the basics. He’s a real ‘glue’ player who has consistently enjoyed success in New Zealand, and I can’t wait to start working with him when he arrives in the autumn.”
First signing since takeover
Christie is the first signing after the Premiership side confirmed earlier this week that Red Bull has taken full ownership of the club and that they have changed their name from the Newcastle Falcons to the Newcastle Red Bulls.
Meanwhile, Christie is looking forward to joining Newcastle Red Bulls once his stint with Canterbury in the NPC has finished.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Newcastle, a club with such a rich history and passionate fanbase,” he said.
“With the plans and backing from the new investors, I believe we can achieve something special.
“After my conversation with Steve I knew this was where I wanted to be.
“I can’t wait to contribute to the team and help the club achieve its goals.”
