Rugby Player Shane Christie Advocated for Player Safety Before Death

Shane Christie, a former rugby player and captain of the Tasman NPC team, has passed away at the age of 39. His death was confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union on March 13, 2024. The police reported that they attended a sudden death incident in Nelson at 08:20. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, and it will be referred to the coroner for further examination.

Christie, who played as a flanker for the Highlanders from 2014 to 2016, was part of the Super Rugby championship team in 2015, although injuries limited his contributions that season. He made a significant impact in the Tasman Rugby Union, participating in 73 matches over seven seasons and leading the team to its first NPC title in 2013. His retirement was prompted by ongoing concussion-related symptoms.

The former player was a close friend of Billy Guyton, a New Zealand Māori halfback who died in 2023, also suspected of suicide. Guyton’s passing marked a tragic moment in rugby, as he became the first New Zealand-based professional player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following a post-mortem examination. In the wake of Guyton’s death, Christie expressed his concerns about the long-term effects of concussions, stating he believed he was experiencing similar neurodegenerative symptoms.

In a heartfelt social media post, Christie revealed that his mental health deteriorated after learning of Guyton’s death on May 13, 2023. He described a period of severe mental distress, stating, “My concussion symptoms had significantly worsened since learning of Billy’s tragic death.” He detailed episodes of mania and paranoia, recognizing the profound impact that concussion had on his life.

Advocating for Player Welfare

Christie dedicated his final years to advocating for improved safety measures and support for rugby players dealing with concussion symptoms. He emphasized the urgent need for a “duty of care for players” in a social media message shared in March 2024. He urged current players to reach out for help, saying, “It’s going to be up to you to ask for it. It’s not really for me, it’s for the players that are currently playing and those like Bill who are really struggling out there.”

He had previously criticized the lack of support from organizations like New Zealand Rugby and the Players Association, stating that many players with ongoing concussion issues were not receiving adequate treatment or diagnosis for CTE. “When you go to a specialist and you’ve had ongoing concussion problems, we’re not getting treated with CTE diagnosis or probable,” he noted, highlighting the absence of practical recovery plans.

Christie’s commitment to raising awareness about concussion-related health issues reflects a broader concern within the sport. His death adds to the tragic narrative surrounding player welfare, particularly considering that three members of the 2016 Māori All Blacks team have now died — Christie, Guyton, and Sean Wainui, who passed away in October 2021.

As the rugby community mourns the loss of Shane Christie, his advocacy for better care and awareness around concussion highlights a critical issue that continues to affect the sport and its players. The impact of concussions and their long-term effects on mental health remain pressing concerns, prompting calls for systemic changes within rugby organizations.

For individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues, support is available. In emergencies, it is crucial to reach out to local services or helplines for assistance.