Newcastle Falcons, whose takeover by Red Bull is set to be completed, will look to continue their spending spree by bringing in Crusaders star Tom Christie.
The deal with the energy drink brand should be finalised soon, and director of rugby Steve Diamond has been putting that investment to good use.
They have already brought in George McGuigan, Jamie Hodgson, Freddie Clarke and Amanaki Mafi, but their biggest-name targets have perhaps yet to arrive.
That includes Christie, according to the Telegraph with Newcastle looking to seal a deal with the openside flanker for the forthcoming campaign.
In an ambitious move, Christie has consistently been one of the outstanding performers for the Crusaders over recent years, and at 27, he is coming into his prime.
The back-rower played a key role in his side’s Super Rugby Pacific triumph, starting all three knockout matches, including the 16-12 victory over the Chiefs in the final.
Despite those high-level displays, it has not resulted in an All Blacks cap, with the openside once again being overlooked by head coach Scott Robertson.
With Ardie Savea switching from number eight ahead of the World Cup and Du’Plessis Kirifi being rewarded for his exceptional form, Christie is duly out in the cold and looking at options overseas.
Although he may not be too far down the New Zealand pecking order, Robertson could prefer to call on the likes of Dalton Papali’i, who was brought in as cover in July, and Crusaders team-mate Ethan Blackadder instead of the 27-year-old should Savea or Kirifi go down.
As a result, it makes sense for the flanker, who could earn much more money abroad, to explore any opportunities abroad.
And the Falcons appears to be an exciting project thanks to the backing of Red Bull. Another New Zealand-based Christie, scrum-half Finlay, has already been linked to the club and would be a statement addition.
Talks of a deal have not cooled despite the half-back’s recall to the Test squad following injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, which could potentially alter any plans to turn his back on the All Blacks.
He last featured for Robertson’s men in July last year, but he is in line to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship next weekend.
Cortez Ratima is set to start in the opener versus Los Pumas while Christie and the uncapped Crusaders half-back Kyle Preston will be competing for a place on the bench.
