Hooker Bryn Gordon joins Newcastle Red Bulls

North Harbour hooker Bryn Gordon has joined Newcastle Red Bulls until the end of the current season.

The 24-year-old New Zealander is English qualified and provides cover for Italian international Hame Faiva, who is sidelined with a neck injury sustained against Saracens back in November.

Gordon has played 26 times for North Harbour in National Provincial Championship action and made his Super Rugby debut last season for the Blues, having spent much of the season training with Moana Pasifika.

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said: “Bryn has been a consistent starter at NPC level for the last few seasons, and been pushing into Super Rugby.

“He gives us another valuable option in a specialist position, Stephen Jones knows him from his time coaching Moana Pasifika and he will help ensure we have the depth and competition we need within the squad throughout the rest of this season.”

Having landed in Newcastle last weekend, Gordon said: “I’m very excited to be here, experiencing a new environment and a different brand of rugby.

“It’s a great chance to continue learning and developing my game with different players and coaches, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity.”