Shane Christie Dies, Advocated for Player Safety in Rugby

Former rugby player Shane Christie, who had been a vocal advocate for player safety, has died at the age of 39. The Tasman Rugby Union confirmed his passing on March 15, 2024, following a sudden death in Nelson. His death comes shortly after he expressed concerns regarding his health, believing he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative brain condition.

Christie, a former flanker for the Highlanders, played 29 matches between 2014 and 2016 and was part of the team that won the Super Rugby title in 2015, although injuries limited his participation that season. He served as the captain of the Tasman NPC team, leading them to their first title in 2013. His career was cut short due to ongoing concussion-related symptoms, which he had been managing for years.

Police were called to the scene of his death at 08:20 AM, and the incident has been referred to the coroner for further investigation. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, particularly given Christie’s close friendship with Billy Guyton, a former Blues and New Zealand Māori halfback who also died of suspected suicide in 2023 at the age of 33.

In March 2024, Christie revealed his fears about potentially suffering from the same condition diagnosed post-mortem in Guyton, who became the first New Zealand-based professional rugby player diagnosed with CTE. Christie documented his struggles on social media, stating that learning about Guyton’s death significantly worsened his own mental health. He described experiencing severe cognitive decline, including delusional and paranoid episodes.

Christie’s advocacy focused on the need for improved support for players suffering from concussion-related issues. He emphasized the importance of a “duty of care for players,” urging current players to reach out for help and support each other. In a poignant message posted in March, he stated, “If you want better care for each other during and after rugby, it’s going to be up to you to reach out and ask for it.”

He criticized the treatment protocols available to players dealing with concussion symptoms, highlighting a lack of actionable recovery plans. Christie argued that players often receive insufficient guidance on managing their health, leaving them vulnerable to long-term effects of concussions. “We’re not getting treated with CTE diagnosis or probable,” he noted, pointing out the gap in support for those affected.

The rugby community is mourning the loss of Christie, who joins a tragic list of players from the 2016 Māori All Blacks team who have died prematurely, including Guyton and Sean Wainui, who passed away in October 2021. As discussions about player safety and mental health continue to gain prominence, the impact of Christie’s death will likely resonate throughout the sport.

For those struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial to seek professional help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to local emergency services or support organizations.