Shane Christie nailing his new career [Otago Daily Times]
Shane Christie knows what it is like to be on the other side of the fence.
Christie (28), who has impressed on the openside flank for the Highlanders so far this season, was a latecomer into top level rugby.
No academies, nutrition programmes and training camps for him.
Instead he went out and got a trade and lived as worker first and rugby player second for a while.
''I was a builder for six years. It was good. I met a lot of good people and I learnt a lot,'' Christie said.
''You appreciate how lucky we are here. A lot of boys that come out of school and do not work that 7.30 to five, five days a week stuff, don't actually know what it is like having a normal job, like most people in New Zealand.
''We are really lucky. It is a relatively short career that you have to make the most of it and that is what I want to do.''
Christie grew up in Nelson, then headed to Upper Hutt College for his schooling, before returning home to a rugby career which took a while to take flight.
''I guess I started quite late. I have only been playing ITM Cup for four years.
''At the start I just had a good time, really. I was playing a bit of a code. I was not too serious, just enjoying the social side of rugby.
''Then I had a good season for my club and managed to slip in there [Tasman team]. I made the sevens that year and that was good for me.''
Under the tutelage of national sevens coach Gordon Tietjens, Christie said the tough training and the discipline needed to succeed in the smaller code helped him a lot.
He broke into the next tier last year when he was picked for the Crusaders, but only played one game for the side as others were preferred.
''I was frustrated because I did not play. Toddy [Matt Todd] was in front of me. They were not keen on rotating players and they would only play me if someone got injured.''
Halfway through last season and sitting in the stand, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph came knocking. Joseph knew Christie through his appearances for New Zealand Maori.
''He approached me and I was keen as. I had heard good things about the Highlanders, even though they weren't having a great season. Good culture and that and a good set of lads.
''It has been everything like I have heard. We are building well and the guys are working hard.''
Christie had played every game for the Highlanders so far, and said he was enjoying the experience. He scored his first try at this level last week in the close win over the Rebels.
''There are always things to work on. You can never get too carried away. That try, it was cool, but I did not think about it too much and I had the rest of the game to concentrate on.''
Christie, who has signed for another year with the Highlanders, added captaincy to his rugby career last year when he captained the Tasman Makos to an ITM Cup championship win.
The Bulls are next on the agenda for the Highlanders and Christie said everyone knew what type of game they will play.
''We are looking forward to it. We have prepared well and have got some good plans in place. As long as we execute the plan then we should be right. They have a big pack and that is what they are about, I suppose.''
