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Māori All Black Shane Christie died with brain disease linked to head knocks
The diagnosis confirms Christie’s belief and adds to pressure on New Zealand Rugby, which acknowledges an association between repeated head impacts and CTE.
- On Thursday, Coroner Ian Telford lifted a non-publication order confirming former Highlander Shane Christie had "high stage" CTE before his death at 39 in August 2025.
- Christie suspected he had the condition after the 2023 death of former Crusader Billy Guyton, who was the first New Zealand player diagnosed with CTE.
- Pathologist Dr. Clinton Turner examined Christie's donated brain at the National Brain Bank, classifying the neurodegenerative disease as "high stage."
- New Zealand Rugby interim chief executive Steve Lancaster acknowledged the pathology results, though the organization reiterated its position that the link between repeated head impacts and CTE remains unproven.
- Critics argue New Zealand Rugby has failed to adequately address concussion risks, citing a 2019 report by judge Jeremy Doogue that recommended standardized rehabilitation and closer monitoring of scientific developments.
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20 Articles
20 Articles
The Toronto Star+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Post-mortem indicates New Zealand rugby player who died by suspected suicide had CTE
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A New Zealand professional rugby player who died by suspected suicide last year had advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions, according to a post-mortem examination.
·Toronto, Canada
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Associated Press News+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Coroner says New Zealand rugby player who died by suspected suicide had brain abnormality CTE
A post-mortem examination shows a New Zealand professional rugby player who died by suspected suicide last year had advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left8Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left, 47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left, 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 47%
C 47%
Factuality
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