mens
Gallagher-Prime Minister
Newcastle Red Bulls Captain Tom Christie has pledged his future to the club by signing a new two-year deal.
The three-time Super Rugby winner has scored six tries in 24 games since arriving a year ago and will now stay on Tyneside until at least the end of the 2028-29 season.
“We’re at the start of a really exciting journey here,” said Christie, the 28-year-old openside captain Canterbury to the state provincial championship title in 2026.
Making 19 appearances in his first campaign with the Red Bulls and taking over as captain this season, the former Crusader insisted: “There’s no limit to what can be achieved at this club.
“The team is working on some big goals and Newcastle already feels like home for my fiancee Sophie and me.
“It’s a massive city and the fans make it a special place, so it was an absolute no-brainer in terms of wanting to extend our stay.”
Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland was equally delighted to retain the services of his skipper, saying: “Tom’s leadership and professionalism has a huge impact on our other players, and it is fantastic to lock down this extension.
“He has an incredibly high level of involvement in our games and his effort level is second to none.
“His ability in defense and at the breakdown is well known throughout the sport, and in addition he brings a real attacking edge to his game.
“That energy and physicality is contagious, and both he and Sophie seem to have developed a real affinity for the North East England during the relatively short time they are here.
“In a period of so much change at the club, it’s great to have that core around which we can build, and in Tom we have someone who will be a real figure for many years.”
