Tasman’s Christie signs for Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have added muchneeded depth at halfback by signing Finlay Christie from the Chiefs.
The 22-year-old made 10 appearances in his debut season with the Waikato-based franchise but makes the move south on a two-year contract from next season.
‘‘I’m very grateful for the opportunity to continue my development at the Hurricanes,’’ Christie said.
‘‘I have heard great things about the environment and I’m looking forward to being part of it in 2018 2019.’’
Christie was born in Scotland before moving with his family to Pukekohe at the age of seven.
He played his high school rugby for St Kentigern’s College in Auckland but moved to Christchurch to study commerce at Canterbury University.
A Canterbury Colts representative in 2015, his form in Christchurch club rugby saw him awarded the Hawkins Medal as the competition’s top player the fol- and lowing year and led to a contract offer from Tasman to play in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup. Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Christie was a good fit for his squad.
‘‘Finlay has all the elements to be a top halfback and we’re looking forward to what he will add to the mix. He has a good pass, he’s quick, he’s fit, and he works incredibly hard at his game and his conditioning, which is something we value.’’
He will provide cover for All Blacks halfback T J Perenara, with the squad bereft of halfbacks to the point where Kemara HauitiParapara made his debut against the British and Irish Lions, despite having not yet played for Wellington at provincial level. Christie’s core strength on the rugby field comes from the nine years he spent pursuing his first passion of gymnastics.
He was good enough at gymnastics to represent New Zealand.