Newcastle Red Bulls captain Tom Christie has committed his future to the club with a new two-year contract.
The three-time Super Rugby winner has scored six tries in 24 games since arriving a year ago and will now remain on Tyneside until at least the end of the 2028/29 season.
“We’re at the start of a really exciting journey here,” he said, adding: “There’s no limit as to what can be achieved at this club.
“The team are working towards some big goals, and Newcastle already feels like a home from home for my fiancée Sophie and I. It’s a tremendous city and the fans make it a special place to be, so it was an absolute no-brainer in terms of wanting to extend our stay.”
Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland was equally delighted to have retained the services of his skipper, saying: “Tom’s leadership and professionalism are having a huge influence on our other players, and it’s fantastic to get this extension locked in.
“He has an incredibly high level of involvements in our games and his effort level is unsurpassed. His ability in defence and at the breakdown is well known throughout the sport, and in addition to that he is bringing a real attacking edge to his game.
“That energy and physicality is infectious, and both he and Sophie seem to have developed a genuine affinity for North East England during the relatively short time they have been here.
“In a period of so much change at the club it is great to have that core around which we can build, and in Tom we have someone who will be a real figurehead for many years to come.”
Mamoudou Meïté to La Rochelle
French publication RugbyRama has suggested that 24-year-old Mamoudou Meïté is set to sign for La Rochelle from D2 side, Le Soyaux Angoulême XV.
The publication stated: ‘Sought after by several Top 14 clubs, the young and promising Mamoudou Meïté is, in fact, very close to signing with Stade Rochelais. He recently informed the various clubs that had approached him that he had chosen the club with the caravelle emblem.
‘The 23-year-old hooker has taken his game to another level since the start of the season. He has started four times for SA XV and scored three tries.
“Last season, he already played in 27 Pro D2 matches (12 starts). Having made his professional debut at Massy (2022/2023), before playing for Stade Français Paris (2023-2025) and then Angoulême, he would now be joining his fourth professional club.’
Ulster trio locked in
Ulster have announced that Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes have all signed new contracts with the province until at least the summer of 2029. All three players are Ulster academy alumni and are set to continue playing an important role in the senior squad.
Ireland wing Rob Baloucoune is a huge re-signing, having recently re-emerged on the international scene ahead of next year’s World Cup, while 23-year-old back-row forward McNabney also bring international pedigree to the squad, having recently been called up by Andy Farrell for the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures.
Hopes, the 2022 Ulster Schools player of the year, has also committed his future to the squad, with the 22-year-old primed for an exciting future anywhere along the back-row.
Ulster general manager Rory Best, said: “We are delighted to have secured the futures of Rob, James and Joe. Rob has showcased his importance to this Ulster team and the national team with his abilities and performances. He is a Test-level winger who has really benefitted from a run of games over the past year.
“Both James and Joe are working hard in the early stages of their professional careers and have both shown a lot of potential in our forward pack. Everyone here was delighted to see James called up to the Ireland squad after the adversity he faced coming back from a long-term knee injury.
“We have full belief that all three will form an important part of our Ulster team in the coming years and look forward to seeing what they produce on the field.”
The stat Stuart Lancaster believes ‘shows the progression and development’ Connacht have made
Bongi Mbonambi to Stormers
The Sharks have confirmed that Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi has departed the club and will join the Stormers with immediate effect. The decision follows a disciplinary issue during a team-building camp when the 35-year-old blatantly ignored head coach JP Pietersen’s rules.
The Sharks took disciplinary action as a result, and Mbonambi’s contract was reportedly in danger of being terminated. However, the Durban-based club have stated that they are parting ways on “amicable terms”, with the double World Cup winner rejoining his former club, Stormers.
A club statement read: “The Sharks confirm that the club and Bongi Mbonambi have mutually agreed to bring his playing contract to an end with immediate effect. The decision follows constructive discussions between both parties and has been reached on amicable terms.”
Kwagga Smith to Bulls
Springbok back-rower Kwagga Smith will return to South Africa after signing a three-year deal with the Bulls. Head coach Johan Ackermann said he was delighted to team up again with the reliable Smith, having coached him previously at the Lions.
“As a youngster, he showed character and fight and integrity,” he said. “He’s a team man who has grown into a stalwart, and it’s been a privilege to watch his career unfold and establish himself as one of the best back-rows in world rugby. Wherever he goes, he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field.”