Rugby Player Shane Christie Advocated for Player Safety Before Death

Shane Christie, a former rugby player and captain of the Tasman NPC team, died at the age of 39, prompting a renewed discussion about player safety and mental health in sports. His death was confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union on September 27, 2023. Police reported attending a sudden death in Nelson at 8:20 a.m. and indicated that the case will be referred to the coroner.

Christie played for the Highlanders from 2014 to 2016, participating in 29 matches and contributing to their 2015 Super Rugby championship season, although injuries limited his participation that year. He also amassed 73 appearances for the Tasman team over seven seasons before retiring due to ongoing concussion-related issues. His leadership helped secure Tasman’s first NPC title in 2013.

The tragic loss comes in the wake of the death of Christie’s close friend, Billy Guyton, who was a former player for the Blues and New Zealand Māori. Guyton died in May 2023 at the age of 33, with the cause believed to be suicide. Following his death, he became the first New Zealand-based professional rugby player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after a post-mortem examination.

In the months leading up to his death, Christie openly expressed his concerns about his own mental health and physical condition. He documented his struggles with concussion symptoms on social media and articulated fears that he might also be suffering from CTE, a condition that can only be diagnosed posthumously. In March 2024, he shared, “My concussion symptoms had significantly worsened since learning of Billy’s tragic death,” detailing how his mental state deteriorated following Guyton’s passing.

Christie’s advocacy for improved player welfare was evident in his public statements. He urged for a “duty of care for players” and called upon current athletes to prioritize their health and well-being. He stated, “So every weekend you got to put your bodies on the line lads, 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 emphasized that his efforts were not just for himself but for fellow players facing similar challenges.

In April 2023, Christie highlighted systemic issues regarding the treatment of concussion-related problems in rugby. He criticized the lack of proactive measures and support for players suffering from the long-term effects of head injuries, saying, “We’re not getting treated with CTE diagnosis or probable. And it means the treatment is non-existent.”

Christie’s passing adds to a growing list of tragedies within the rugby community. Three members of the 2016 Māori All Blacks team have died, including Christie, Guyton, and Sean Wainui, who passed away in October 2021. The coroner has not yet ruled on Wainui’s death, leaving questions about the mental health challenges faced by athletes in the sport.

As discussions around player safety continue to evolve, Christie’s legacy will likely serve as a catalyst for change in how rugby organizations address the mental and physical health of their players.

For those struggling with mental health issues, it is vital to seek help. In emergencies, contact local authorities or mental health services immediately.