news-engine

Newcastle Red Bulls have announced their captain for the 2026/27 season, choosing experienced back rower, Tom Christie. The New Zealander moved from Canterbury and the Crusaders “It’s an exciting time for the club with everything that’s going on and being planned for the future, so to be asked to lead the team is really special,” Dan McFarland, Newcastle Red Bulls head coach added, “Tom is an outstanding professional with natural leadership qualities.He has experience of being a successful captain from his time in New Zealand and brings a lot to the role, but he will be the first to tell you it doesn’t all revolve around one person.” Tom Chrisite’s experience Christie is one of very few surviving members of the Newcastle Red Bulls squad from 2025/26. He came to the PREM after a long career for Canterbury and the Crusaders, where he was part of three Super Rugby winning sides. Christie commented, “Captaining Canterbury was a really cool experience and something I enjoyed immensely, but I was lucky enough to have a lot of exceptional leaders in that group. “A big part of being a leader is just playing good rugby and trying to set an example, and if I can manage to do that with the input and support of the guys throughout the team then we’re not in a bad place. Important leaders in his career Christie has previously been a part of some incredible teams. He commented, “In previous squads I’ve had leaders like Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett and even Kieran Read during my early days. They’re just amazing people who you can learn a lot from, they were really influential on the younger players within the group and ultimately it was all about the standards they set.