Shane Christie: Rugby world in mourning over pioneering player | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSteve McMorranWednesday 27 August 2025 11:30 BSTOxford rugby players pledge to donate brains for concussion researchProminent New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie, aged 39, has died at his home in Nelson.Christie was a vocal advocate for research into the connection between concussions and long-term brain injury, specifically Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).He suspected he suffered from CTE, a degenerative brain disorder only detectable post-mortem, and had intended to donate his brain for scientific study.Christie was a friend and teammate of Billy Guyton, the first New Zealand rugby player diagnosed with CTE, and helped establish the Billy Guyton Foundation.Police have referred Christie's death to the coroner, with New Zealand Rugby expressing deep condolences for the loss of a passionate member of the rugby community.In fullRugby player Shane Christie, who called for study of concussion, dies at age 39Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in