Shane Christie. Photo: Gerard O'BrienBy Samantha Gee of RNZMāori All Black and Highlander Shane Christie has been diagnosed with a brain disease likely to be connected with repeated head knocks by a pathologist at the University of Auckland's brain bank. Player welfare a priority - New Zealand RugbyNew Zealand Rugby interim chief executive Steve Lancaster said support for players with post-concussive symptoms was a priority. "New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the CTE pathology results for Shane Christie confirmed by The Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank. "We share the concerns about the potential long-term effects of repeated head knocks in rugby and support the need for ongoing research into this.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 02, 2026 11:13 UTC