Livewire Tasman halfback Finlay Christie has signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes.
The exciting 22-year-old joins the Hurricanes off the back of a successful debut season of Investec Super Rugby that saw him earn 10 caps for the Chiefs.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue my development at the Hurricanes," Christie said. "I have heard great things about the environment and I'm looking forward to being part of it in 2018 and 2019."
Born in Scotland before moving with his family to Pukekohe at the age of seven, Christie's short rugby career has already taken its share of twists and turns.
After leaving St Kentigern College in Auckland he played age grade rugby for Counties-Manukau before heading south to study commerce at Canterbury University.
A Canterbury Colts representative in 2015, his form in Christchurch club rugby saw him awarded the Hawkins Medal as the competition's top player the following year and led to a contract offer from Tasman to play in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Christie was a good fit for his squad.
"Finlay has all the elements to be a top halfback and we're looking forward to what he will add to the mix. He has a good pass, he's quick, he's fit, and he works incredibly hard at his game and his conditioning, which is something we value."
Christie's core strength on the rugby field comes from the nine years he spent pursuing his first passion of gymnastics before switching his focus to rugby. He was good enough at gymnastics to represent New Zealand.
PLAYER PROFILE
Full Name: Finlay Christie
Nickname: Red
Team: Hurricanes
Position: Halfback
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 80kg
Province: Tasman
Super Rugby Caps: 10 (Chiefs)
Super Rugby debut: 2017 v Hurricanes in Hamilton (Chiefs)
Provincial Games: 10
Provincial Debut: 2016 v Waikato in Blenheim