'Lion-hearted' Highlander returns home
NEWS: The Highlanders have found themselves a new defence coach and he has a reputation for his brutal tackling.
During his career Shane Christie was known as a strong tackler and lion-hearted player.
It is those attributes he will be looking to instil into the 2021 Highlanders in the role of defence coach.
He will join head coach Tony Brown, along with assistant coaches Clarke Dermody and Riki Flutey.
Christie, who played 30 games for the Highlanders from 2014 to 2017 and co-captained the team in 2016, comes highly rated.
He has fashioned a successful career coaching defence at Tasman since 2018.
Tasman have been one of the best defensive teams in the Championship for a few seasons and head coach Tony Brown will be looking to Christie to work his magic for the Highlanders.
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“Naturally I knew Shane as a player and even then I suspected he would make a good coach,” Brown said.
“He is diligent, driven and most of all very passionate about the Highlanders.
“I’m sure he will slot into our coaching team very well he already has a good working relationship with Clarke at Tasman.
“A lot of defence is about attitude and Shane has a very competitive attitude and he loves to win in other words he hates to lose, which I like as a motivating factor.”
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said an extensive search was undertaken to find the best fit for the role and he is delighted they have been able to secure Christie’s services.
“Even though we had a lot of quality candidates it was clear to us that Shane had what it takes to deliver for us in the specialised area of defence.
“He is an up and coming defence specialist and we believe he can go on to achieve special things in his coaching career. We are delighted to have him aboard.”
Christie, fresh from winning the NPC with Tasman, is excited to begin his new role.
“Obviously I am stoked to be able to work alongside Brownie, Derms and Flutes.
“The chance to coach defence for the Highlanders is an awesome opportunity and I can’t wait to get to Dunedin and get stuck into our work.
“Its already been a big year and this is a great way to finish it for me.”
