New Zealand rugby player who called for study of concussions dies at 39 | Rugby News

Shane Christie, who suspected he was suffering from a degenerative brain disorder, was found dead at his home in Nelson.

A New Zealand rugby player who had wanted his brain to be studied after suffering from the effects of multiple concussions has died aged 39, police said.

Police were called early on Wednesday morning to the Nelson home of Shane Christie, who played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and for New Zealand Maori, where he was found dead.

Police said “the death will be referred…