Shane Christie, 39, Advocated for Player Safety Before Tragic Death

Former rugby player Shane Christie, who played for the Highlanders and captained the Tasman NPC team, has died at the age of 39. His death, confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union, occurred unexpectedly in Nelson on the morning of March 15, 2024. Christie’s passing raises significant concerns regarding player safety and the long-term effects of concussion in professional rugby.

Christie, who played 29 matches for the Highlanders between 2014 and 2016 and was part of the 2015 Super Rugby championship team, retired due to ongoing concussion-related symptoms. He was well-regarded in the rugby community, having led Tasman to their first NPC title in 2013. Police reported attending a sudden death in Nelson, stating that the case would be referred to the coroner.

The former rugby player was closely connected to Billy Guyton, a former teammate and Māori representative who died in May 2023, also suspected of suicide. Following Guyton’s diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Christie expressed his fears about his own health, believing he might also be suffering from the same neurodegenerative condition. CTE, often linked to repeated head trauma, can only be diagnosed posthumously.

In social media posts leading up to his death, Christie detailed his struggles with concussion symptoms and the impact of Guyton’s death on his mental health. In one poignant message from March 2024, he reflected on how his wellbeing deteriorated after learning of his friend’s passing: “My concussion symptoms had significantly worsened since learning of Billy’s tragic death on May 13, 2023,” he shared. Christie described experiencing severe psychological episodes, highlighting the profound effects that head injuries had on his life.

Christie was an outspoken advocate for improved safety measures within rugby, calling for a stronger “duty of care for players.” He urged current players to seek help, stating, “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.” His advocacy was aimed not just at his own situation but for all players facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements in how concussion issues are addressed.

In earlier statements, Christie criticized the lack of effective treatment for players suffering from concussion-related issues. He noted that many players were not receiving adequate care, which included proper diagnosis and management of potential CTE symptoms. “When you go to a specialist and you’ve had ongoing concussion problems, we’re not getting treated with CTE diagnosis or probable,” he stated. This lack of attention to player health has become a growing concern within the sport, especially in light of the tragic losses of players like Christie and Guyton.

The rugby community is mourning the loss of Christie, who, along with Guyton and another teammate, Sean Wainui, represents the ongoing struggle within the sport regarding player mental and physical health. Wainui, who died in October 2021, was also a part of the 2016 Māori All Blacks team. The coroner has yet to rule on the circumstances surrounding Wainui’s death.

As the rugby world reflects on Christie’s life and advocacy, his call for greater care and awareness regarding concussion remains critical. The conversation about mental health and the long-term effects of head injuries in sports continues to gain urgency, and Christie’s legacy may serve as a catalyst for change within the sport.

For those in need of support, it is crucial to reach out to appropriate services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact local emergency services or mental health organizations.