Hurricanes sign Finlay Christie

Livewire Tasman halfback Finlay Christie has signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes.

The exciting 22-year-old joins the Hurricanes off the back of a successful debut season of Super Rugby that saw him earn 10 caps for the Chiefs.

Born in Scotland, Christie moved with his family to Pukekohe at the age of seven, his short rugby career has already taken its share of twists and turns.

After leaving St Kentigern College in Auckland he played age grade rugby for Counties-Manukau before heading south 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 following 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.”

Christie’s core strength on the rugby field comes from the nine years he spent pursuing his first passion of gymnastics before switching his focus to rugby. He was good enough at gymnastics to represent New Zealand.