Former Super Rugby flanker and Māori All Black, Shane Christie, has died at the age of 39. His death is being treated as a suspected suicide.
Christie was found dead in Nelson, New Zealand, on Wednesday morning. Police confirmed they responded to a call regarding a sudden death, according to reports from Stuff.co.nz.
A highly respected figure in New Zealand rugby, Christie played 29 matches for the Highlanders in Super Rugby between 2014 and 2016. He also made 73 appearances for Tasman in the National Provincial Championship and represented the Māori All Blacks on eight occasions.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby paid tribute to his contribution to the game and his community.
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shane Christie,” the statement read.
“Shane represented Aotearoa New Zealand in both the All Blacks Sevens and the Māori All Blacks jerseys.
“He played in our domestic competitions and Super Rugby, forging deep connections with the Tasman Mako and the Highlanders.
“He was passionate about coaching, holding coaching roles with Tasman for both their women’s and men’s teams and the Highlanders.
“Any time the rugby community loses a member, it is felt deeply. Shane’s passion for the game will be remembered always. Our thoughts are with Shane’s whānau, friends, former team-mates and community at this incredibly difficult time.”
Christie had spoken publicly about his struggles with concussion-related health issues during and after his playing career. In an interview following his retirement, he revealed he had suffered three or four concussions in just six weeks while with the Highlanders, which left him with persistent and debilitating symptoms.
“It feels like a bruise in your head, and when you’re walking, it hurts,” he said.
“When you’re thinking, it hurts. When you’re trying to exercise, the pressure hurts. You’re not as fast, and can’t think as quickly.”
He believed he was living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma and implicated in the deaths of several high-profile athletes across contact sports.
Following the death of fellow New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton in 2023, Christie spoke candidly about his own mental health challenges. In a post shared to social media, he described a difficult period between May and September of that year.
“I gradually exhausted my brain’s energy and cognitive capacity, pushing myself to a point where I became delusional and paranoid,” he wrote.
Christie had become an advocate for greater awareness of concussion-related health risks in rugby and the wider sporting world, documenting his personal battle in the hope of supporting others facing similar struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In New Zealand, you can contact 1737 Need to Talk- a free service available 24/7. In the UK, contact Samaritans on 116 123.
