Meet Finlay Christie

Following a stand out performance against Waikato, many people are asking just who is our new ginger haired halfback and where did he come from. His mum prefers the hair description “shimmering copper”, his nickname is Red and he’s from Pukekohe.

20 year old Finlay signed for Tasman after winning the Hawkins Medal for MVP playing for University of Christchurch in the Christchurch Metro Division One competition.

Congratulations on becoming Tasman Mako # 138. You come to us via Christchurch, Pukekohe and Scotland. Tell us about the journey you’ve taken to end up at Tasman?

I moved to Pukekohe from Scotland with my family when I was 7. I played for Counties-Manukau at the national Under 19’s in 2014. I then moved to Christchurch to study a Commerce degree at University of Canterbury where I played halfback for them. I was then offered a contract to play for the Makos which was a pleasant surprise.

At what age, where and at what position did you first play rugby?

I first started playing as a flanker when I was 8 or 9. I moved to halfback in year 11.

Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?

Like most people I definitely say my parents, Liz and Chris. They have bought tickets for the Counties-Manukau game in Blenheim.

Who have you buddied up with in the squad?

Everyone is tight in the squad and everyone enjoys each other’s company. I’m about to flat with Tim O’Malley and Pari Pari Parkinson which will be good.

What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?

I have represented NZ at gymnastics, which is a sport I did for 9 years. I ended up going back to rugby as I missed team sport.