Blues bolster halfback stocks with signing of Hurricanes back-up

Tasman and Hurricanes halfback Finlay Christie will move back home to play for the Blues starting from the 2020 Super Rugby season.

The 23-year-old, who is the back-up to TJ Perenara at the Hurricanes this year, has signed with the Blues for two years, joining Jonathan Ruru and Sam Nock who have both extended their contracts with the club.

The 23-year-old Christie, who was born in Peebles in the Scottish Borders, moved with his family to Pukekohe before attending Saint Kentigern College. He played for Counties Manukau U19 before heading to the University of Canterbury and after excelling at club level, took up a contract with the Tasman Mako in 2016.

His form with Tasman led to him playing eight games for the Chiefs in 2017 before moving to the Hurricanes the following year.

Christie’s move north will re-link him with Blues coach Leon MacDonald, who guided him at Tasman, where he will continue to play his Mitre 10 Cup rugby.

“I was impressed with his skill set and attitude at Tasman and now he gets the chance to return home to play,” Leon said.

“Finlay will complement both Sam and Jonathan and give us three quality halfbacks all with different styles and different strengths. This will allow us to select a halfback that best fits the game plan each week.”

Blues high performance general manager, Tony Hanks is pleased with the signing.

“It is great to have a good mix of halfbacks, all now with experience and success at Mitre-10 Cup and Investec Super Rugby level,” said Tony.

“Sam has come through our system from the age grades and is now a senior player who has played a key part in the rise of Northland rugby, yet he is only 22 years old. He will reconnect with Christie after the pair played together at Saint Kentigerns.

“Jonathan has settled well with us since moving here last year and became a key part of the success for Auckland in the Mitre-10 Cup.”

Watch - Why Colin Cooper is stepping down: