Newcastle Red Bulls sign Māori All Black forward from Top 14 side

The 26-year-old New Zealander, who stands at 6ft 6in, is capable of operating in the back row or at lock and is currently in his second season with Top 14 side Perpignan. An Auckland native, Hicks has built an impressive résumé across both hemispheres, including Super Rugby, NPC rugby and international representative honours.

Hicks previously played Super Rugby Pacific for the Highlanders and represented Tasman in New Zealand’s Bunnings NPC before making the move to France in 2024. He also earned a Māori All Blacks cap in 2022, featuring in their narrow defeat to Ireland after being called up as a late replacement.

His provincial career began with Tasman after being named in the Mako squad for the 2021 NPC season. Hicks made his debut in Round 3 against Northland, coming off the bench in a 29–48 victory. Tasman went on to reach the final that year, eventually losing 23–20 to Waikato.

The following season saw Hicks step up to Super Rugby, where he made his Highlanders debut in Round 8 of the 2022 campaign against Moana Pasifika in a 37–17 win. That same year, he received his call-up to the Māori All Blacks squad for their mid-year fixtures against Ireland.

Away from rugby union, the North Shore-born forward has also represented New Zealand in Australian Rules Football, a background that has helped shape his athletic profile. Hicks is now eagerly anticipating his move to Tyneside and the next chapter of his career.

Hicks said: “I’m really excited by the opportunity to sign with the Newcastle Red Bulls.

“I’m looking forward to getting my feet on the ground and being part of an exciting future for the club.”

Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy believes Hicks will add significant quality to the squad.

McIlroy said: “Max is very well thought of at Perpignan and brings a fabulous skill set.

“He’s an athletic forward with an outstanding aerial game, as you’d expect with his Aussie Rules background, and he’s quick across the ground for such a big guy.

“He can operate in a number of roles across the back five of the forward pack, and he has been playing to a high level for a number of years now.”