Tom Christie assumes captaincy for Newcastle Red Bulls

Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Dan McFarland appointed Tom Christie as team captain for the 2026-27 season. The 28-year-old flanker replaces hooker George McGuigan in the role. Christie joined the club last summer and appeared in 19 games during his debut season, recording six tries. The appointment coincides with a significant roster overhaul for the team, which signed 25 new players ahead of the upcoming campaign. Newcastle finished at the bottom of the league standings for each of the last four seasons. McFarland cited Christie's previous experience captaining Canterbury to a title in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship and his time with the Crusaders as evidence of his leadership capabilities.

• 9:47 AMYahoo Sports — Kiwi Christie chosen as Newcastle captain