Former Highlanders, Tasman Mako, and Māori All Blacks loose forward Shane Christie has died in Nelson at the age of 39[1][2][3]. He played eight matches for the Māori All Blacks, 29 matches for the Highlanders, and 73 for Tasman, captaining the Mako to the ITM Championship in 2013[1][2]. His rugby career ended in 2017 due to ongoing concussion issues[1][2][3].
Christie was a vocal advocate for increased awareness of the dangers of head injuries in rugby, helping to establish the Billy Guyton Foundation after the death of his close friend and teammate Billy Guyton, who was diagnosed posthumously with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)[1]. Prior to his death, Christie had expressed concern that he too might suffer from CTE and had pledged to donate his brain for research to the New Zealand Sports Human Brain Bank[1][3].
New Zealand police have confirmed that Christie’s death has been referred to the coroner, with local media and friends suggesting it may have been self-inflicted[2][3][5][6]. Christie had openly discussed the challenges he faced after multiple concussions, including long-lasting symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, depression, and mood swings, consistent with CTE[1][3].
His sudden passing has prompted renewed calls from the rugby community for greater attention to be given to the risks associated with repeated head injuries in the sport[1][5].
References
- [1] Former Highlanders, Mako, Māori All Blacks player Shane Christie dies
- [2] Former Highlanders flanker Shane Christie dies at age 39 – Fijivillage
- [3] New Zealand Rugby Player Shane Christie, Who Suffered Multiple Concussions, Dies Aged 39
- [5] Former Māori All Black Shane Christie dies aged 39 – NZ Herald
- [6] Ex-rugby player Shane Christie, who called for study of concussion, dies at age 39