The Ruck
The Ruck
The Times
BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
47 minutes Posted Apr 30, 2026 at 7:00 am.
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Show notes

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


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Guest: Holly Parkes

Host: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times

Producer: Sophie McNulty


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Read more: Two friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?

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