BONUS: Can rugby survive its brain injury problem?
4/30/202647 min
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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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.
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:00
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Speaker 10:28
[upbeat jingle] Today's episode of The Ruck is brought to you by Allianz. They've been part of the rugby family for over 13 years now, backing the game at every level from the muddy grassroots pitches to the biggest stages in the sport. And their partnership with the home of England Rugby, Allianz Stadium, isn't just about putting a name on the building. It's about backing the future of the game and the generations still to come. We're proud to have them on board. Let's get into it.
David Walsh· Host0:57
Before we start, this episode contains mentions of suicide and self-harm. [gentle music] From The Times and The Sunday Times, this is The Story. I'm David Walsh.
Speaker 3· Soundbite1:12
It promises to be quite a night for aficionados of New Zealand rugby.
David Walsh· Host1:21
We're at the Stoop, a rugby stadium in West London, Twickenham. It's a midweek evening in November 2016.