This week, we heard of the tragic sudden death of rugby player, former Māori All Black, Shane Christie, aged just 39.
Shane Christie suffered several concussions during his career, and he was vocal about the dangers of brain injuries in rugby, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, which can only be diagnosed after death.
Last year, he said he wanted to donate his brain to research when he died.
Professor Alan Pearce, a neurophysiologist from Australia's Swinburne University, had been in touch with Christie while he lived, discussing the urgent need for concussion research.
He speaks to Emile Donovan.
Highlanders flanker Shane Christie. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
