BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?

BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?

From The Ruck by The Times

April 30, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

The episode explores Shane Christie's experience with brain injuries in rugby and the implications for the sport.

Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout?  This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game.  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today:  http://thetimes.com/thestory *** Allianz Future Fund | Allianz Insurance Guest:  Holly Parkes Host:  David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times Producer:  Sophie McNulty We want to hear from you - email:   thestory@thetimes.com Read more:   Two friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen? Clips : Harlequins - YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: David Walsh

Guest: Holly Parkes

Topics covered

  • brain injury
  • rugby
  • concussions
  • sports crisis
  • personal stories
  • investigation

Keywords

  • rugby
  • brain injury
  • concussions
  • Shane Christie
  • Holly Parkes
  • David Walsh
  • sports investigation

Sponsors

Allianz Insurance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Times, The Sunday Times

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