Can rugby survive its head injury problem? - The Sunday Story
4/26/202647 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.
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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: The concussion files
Clips: Harlequins - YouTube.
Photo: Getty Images.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsDavid Walsh· Host0:02
Before we start, this episode contains mentions of suicide and self-harm. From The Times and The Sunday Times, this is The Story. I'm David Walsh.
Speaker 1· Soundbite0:14
It promises to be quite a night for aficionados of New Zealand rugby.
David Walsh· Host0:23
We are at The Stoop, a rugby stadium in West London, Twickenham. It's a midweek evening in November twenty sixteen.
Speaker 1· Soundbite0:32
Well, it's been a wet evening, certainly thus far.
David Walsh· Host0:36
Lots of rain. It's very wintry, cold. The home team, Harlequins, are playing the visiting New Zealand Maori team.
Speaker 1· Soundbite0:45
The Maori have come to the south west of the capital, and they've brought a team brimming with quality and Super Rugby experience.
David Walsh· Host0:54
In that New Zealand Maori team is a flanker, Shane Christie, wearing the number seven. And in the first half, which is dominated by the New Zealand Maori, Shane Christie is one of the stars.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:11
Christie, in the tradition of good number sevens, has been all over the field.
David Walsh· Host1:15
He scores a good try.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:17
And it's gone the way of Shane Christie.
David Walsh· Host1:20
And then sets up a try for his teammate, Sean Wainui.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:23
And this time it's Sean Wainui.