New Zealand rugby is mourning the death of Shane Christie, the former flanker who represented his country in sevens and the Maori All Blacks.
Christie passed away in Nelson on Wednesday morning, just a day before his 40th birthday.
Christie enjoyed a decorated career across both domestic and international rugby.
After starring in New Zealand’s provincial competitions, he stepped up to Super Rugby level, where he played for the Crusaders and later the Highlanders, becoming a respected figure in both squads.
New Zealand rugby is mourning the death of Shane Christie, the former flanker who represented his country in sevens and the Maori All Blacks
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He was also a key member of the Tasman Mako, with whom he forged strong ties as both a player and later a coach.
Christie’s career ended prematurely in 2018 when he retired at the age of 32 after a series of head injuries, including four concussions in the space of six weeks in 2016.
In later years, he spoke openly about the lasting impact those injuries had on his health, particularly his brain function.
He believed he was experiencing symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head.
The condition, which has been found in a number of former athletes in contact sports such as rugby, American football, and boxing, can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
It is associated with problems including memory loss, mood changes, depression, confusion, and difficulties with decision-making.
Describing how it felt to live with his symptoms, Christie once said: “It feels like a bruise in your head, and when you're walking, it hurts.
"So when you're thinking, it hurts, when you're trying to exercise, the pressure hurts, and you're not as fast and can't think as quick.”
Highlander #212 – Shane Christie
— Highlanders (@Highlanders) August 27, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shane Christie. Shane played from 2014-17 and returned as a coach in 2021-22. Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, and the wider rugby community.
Moe mai rā, Shane🕊 pic.twitter.com/PQukEl96UH
New Zealand Rugby confirmed the news of Christie’s death in a heartfelt statement, highlighting both his achievements on the field and his passion for the game off it.
“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 Maori 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 [family], friends, former team-mates, and community at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Highlanders, where Christie played between 2014 and 2017 before returning as a coach in 2021–22, also expressed their sorrow.
Shane Christie retired from rugby back in 2018
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“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Shane Christie," they said.
"Shane played from 2014-17 and returned as a coach in 2021-22. Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, and the wider rugby community. Moe mai rā, Shane🕊.”
Christie’s contribution to rugby extended well beyond his playing days, with his coaching roles and advocacy for greater awareness of head injuries leaving a lasting legacy.