Force boost flyhalf stocks

Perth - Waikato flyhalf Sam Christie has claimed the final playing squad contract with Australia's Western Force for the upcoming Super Rugby season, the club said on Tuesday.

Christie, 26, is the ninth new member to the Force's back division for the 2013 campaign.

The former New Zealand Schools representative is one of four flyhalf options for Western Force in 2013 along with former Cheetahs playmaker Sias Ebersohn, returning Wallaby Sam Norton-Knight and Australian Under-20 representative Kyle Godwin.

"Being such a pivotal position we wanted to ensure we had depth at flyhalf this season," head coach Michael Foley said.

"We've now got four quality options at 10 as well as the ability to cover a number of other positions."