Newcastle Red Bulls sign yet another international forward

Friday, 29 August 2025 at 10:19

byRugby Rucker

Newcastle Red Bulls have bolstered their pack with the signing of Italy international hooker Hame Faiva on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old joins from Gallagher Premiership champions Bath Rugby, where he has spent the past two seasons.

A former New Zealand Under-20s player, Faiva made his professional breakthrough with Waikato before featuring in Super Rugby for the Blues and Hurricanes. A six-year spell at Benetton saw him qualify for Italy, winning 10 caps and featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His club career has also included stints with Worcester Warriors and Bath.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond, who previously signed Faiva for Worcester, said:

“Hame is an experienced campaigner who gives us valuable knowhow in the front row.

He’s a good pro who knows what it’s all about, and he’ll give us the quality and depth that we need to kick on at this level.

He was left high and dry by what happened while we were at Worcester, but he’s a great addition to our group.”

Faiva said:

“I feel truly blessed that my family and I can be part of this new era for Newcastle Red Bulls.

I am committed to bringing physicality, a strong willingness to go the extra mile and being a dedicated team player.”

Relishing the chance to reunite with Diamond, he added:

“It was a pleasure working with Dimes during our time together at Worcester Warriors.

He is a straightforward and honest individual – qualities I greatly appreciate.

What he did for us as players was truly inspiring, especially during that challenging period. He consistently supported both the players and staff throughout the entire journey and it will be great to work with him again.”

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NEWCASTLE RED BULLS SIGNING:

Amanaki Mafi (Back Row – Japan)

Amanaki Mafi, a dynamic back-row forward from Japan, joins Newcastle Red Bulls from Yokohama Canon Eagles. Known for his powerful ball-carrying and defensive capabilities, Mafi is expected to add physicality and experience to the team's forward pack.

Simón Benítez Cruz (Back Row – Argentina)

Argentinian back-row forward Simón Benítez Cruz arrives from Tarucas. With his strong work ethic and breakdown skills, Benítez Cruz aims to enhance the team's competitiveness in the contact area and contribute to their defensive strategies.

Tom Christie (Flanker – New Zealand)

New Zealand flanker Tom Christie joins from the Crusaders. Renowned for his relentless tackling and high work rate, Christie brings a wealth of experience from one of the most successful teams in Super Rugby. His arrival is seen as a significant statement of intent for the club's ambitions.

Fergus Lee-Warner (Lock – Australia)

Australian lock Fergus Lee-Warner returns to the English Premiership after a stint with the NSW Waratahs. Standing at 6'6", Lee-Warner offers a formidable presence in the lineout and scrum, providing depth to the Red Bulls' second-row options.

Boeta Chamberlain (Fly-Half – South Africa)

South African fly-half Boeta Chamberlain joins from the Blue Bulls on a one-year deal. Chamberlain, a former Springbok U20s representative, is expected to bring creativity and tactical kicking to the team's playmaking.

Freddie Clarke (Back Row – England)

England international Freddie Clarke joins from Gloucester. A versatile back-row forward, Clarke's experience and physicality will bolster the Red Bulls' forward pack, providing options in both the back and second rows.

Jamie Hodgson (Lock – Scotland)

Scottish international lock Jamie Hodgson arrives from Edinburgh. Standing at 6'6", Hodgson adds height and strength to the Red Bulls' lineout and scrum, enhancing their set-piece capabilities.

George McGuigan (Hooker – England)

England international hooker George McGuigan returns to Newcastle Red Bulls after a stint with Gloucester. Known for his dynamic ball-carrying and try-scoring ability, McGuigan's return adds depth and experience to the team's front row.

With these strategic signings, Newcastle Red Bulls are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Gallagher Premiership. The infusion of international talent and experience aims to restore the club to its former glory and inspire a new generation of rugby fans in the region.