Former Rugby Star Shane Christie Honored at Heartfelt Farewell

Shane Christie, a former flanker for the Tasman Mako and Highlanders, was honored at a moving funeral service in Nelson following his unexpected death at the age of 39. Known for his courage and leadership, Christie passed away last week after a long battle with severe post-concussion symptoms. His commitment to rugby and advocacy for player welfare left a significant impact on the sport.

Christie’s dedication to improving understanding around brain injuries in rugby stemmed from his personal experiences. He retired from professional rugby in 2017, citing ongoing issues related to concussions. He had publicly expressed concerns about suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a serious condition linked to repeated head trauma, which can only be confirmed posthumously through brain tissue examination.

Celebration of Life and Legacy

The Trafalgar Centre was filled with family, friends, former teammates, and All Blacks as they gathered to celebrate Christie’s life. He was remembered as an unassuming leader who embodied loyalty and care. Tasman Mako captain David Havili spoke passionately about Christie’s influence.

“You taught us the values of mateship, a team-first mentality, and standing up for your people,” Havili said. “Your legacy will live on forever at this club. Rest easy, our great mate. Thank you for being you.”

Christie’s former girlfriend, Holly Parkes, who remained a close friend, shared her anguish over his struggles with concussion symptoms. She described the physical pain he experienced, likening it to an “electrical circuit board misfiring.” Parkes expressed her desire to have protected him from the injuries he sustained during his rugby career, reflecting on the impact of his decisions on his life.

“I wished I could have prevented the damage Christie suffered while playing rugby between the ages of 19 and 32,” she said. The emotional weight of her words resonated deeply with those in attendance, highlighting the often-overlooked consequences of sports-related injuries.

Advocacy and Awareness

A staunch advocate for player welfare, Nelson lawyer Craig Morice spoke about his friendship with Christie, which began nearly a decade ago during negotiations with New Zealand Rugby (NZR). He recounted how he facilitated an urgent appointment with a leading neurological specialist in Melbourne in 2017, as Christie’s health was deteriorating.

“The specialist concluded that Shane should not return to play rugby again,” Morice explained. “From that point on, he was determined to understand as much as he could about concussion and CTE.”

Christie and Morice later met with senior NZR officials to initiate an independent review into the management of concussion injuries in professional rugby. The review, which was completed in April 2019, produced a comprehensive report with five key recommendations. However, despite Christie’s wishes for transparency, the findings have yet to be made public.

“He was adamant that it wasn’t just about his own experience; it had to be about protecting future players,” Morice stated.

The tragic death of his former teammate Billy Guyton in 2023 motivated Christie to co-found the Billy Guyton Foundation, aimed at raising awareness and preventing brain injuries in rugby. Guyton was diagnosed with CTE in 2024, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about player safety.

In accordance with Christie’s wishes, his brain has been donated to the New Zealand Sports Human Brain Bank at the Centre for Brain Research in Auckland. This contribution aims to further research into neurodegenerative diseases, potentially aiding future players and their health.

Christie’s journey in rugby began in Palmerston North on July 23, 1985. After moving to Wellington, he attended Upper Hutt College before settling in Nelson. He balanced his building apprenticeship with a burgeoning rugby career, eventually making his debut for the Mako in 2010. His leadership culminated in captaining the team to its first championship title in 2013 and later coaching them to two back-to-back premiership titles in 2019 and 2020.

During his career, Christie also played for the Crusaders and Highlanders, contributing to their historic Super Rugby title in 2015. His varied interests included surfing, golf, and even completing skydiving hours in record time, showing his passion for adventure beyond the rugby field.

Christie’s sister, Katrina Christie, expressed the profound grief felt by the family, stating that the outpouring of condolences on social media came with misinformation about his struggles. She emphasized the joy he brought to their lives, despite the challenges he faced in his later years.

“From the laughter that still echoes when we remember your cheeky grin, your legacy lives on in the hearts you touched,” she said, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many during the farewell.

As the rugby community reflects on Shane Christie’s life and contributions, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of player welfare and the need for ongoing dialogue around safety in sports.