Former New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie has been posthumously diagnosed with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his suspected suicide in August.
Coroner Ian Telford announced the findings on Thursday during a preliminary hearing into the 39-year-old’s death.
The post-mortem examination revealed severe abnormalities in brain tissue linked to repeated head impacts.
The former Crusaders and Highlanders back-rower retired from professional sport in 2018 due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
Campaigning for awareness
Prior to his passing, the ex-Maori All Black believed he was already suffering from the degenerative brain condition.
He became a vocal campaigner for greater understanding of CTE after the suspected suicide of his close friend and fellow professional Billy Guyton.
CTE can only be conclusively diagnosed after death and is known to cause severe mood swings, depression and impulsive behaviour.
Friends and family stated he explicitly wanted his diagnosis made public to raise awareness for other athletes experiencing similar neurological symptoms.
Brain bank confirmation
Pathologist Dr Clinton Turner confirmed the high-stage diagnosis after examining tissue at the University of Auckland brain bank.
Both Christie and Guyton had pledged to donate their brains to the facility to aid scientific research into contact sports.
Telford noted that while the pathology results are clear, the official cause of death will be formally determined by the ongoing coronial process.
The condition continues to cast a long shadow over contact sports, featuring prominently in discussions and lawsuits involving former rugby and American football players.
Governing body response
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster publicly acknowledged the pathology results and the foundation’s findings.
“New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the CTE pathology results for Shane Christie confirmed by The Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank.”
“We also acknowledge and respect the role of the coroner to determine the nature of any inquiry they may hold examining the cause and circumstances of Shane’s passing.”
The administrator added that the governing body takes the issue of repeated head knocks seriously.
“We share the concerns about the potential long-term effects of repeated head knocks in rugby and support the need for ongoing research into this.”
Sir James Anderson believes England can secure Ashes revenge on home soil despite their recent comprehensive 4-1 defeat in Australia.
The veteran seamer monitored the series from afar as Ben Stokes’ side suffered a heavy loss amid intense scrutiny over preparation and selection.
“Obviously, I think Ashes series are huge and everyone gets judged,” said England’s record wicket-taker.
“I still feel like they’ve got a great chance of winning in England, as well, in a couple of years’ time.”
ECB keeps faith in leadership
The England and Wales Cricket Board has opted against sweeping changes following the disappointing winter campaign.
Stokes retains the captaincy, while head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key remain in their respective roles.
The 43-year-old declined to criticise the board’s decision to maintain the current hierarchy.
“We’ve seen it in the past where people have lost their jobs after Ashes series and maybe knee-jerk reactions to what that is.”
Seam attack offers cause for optimism
Despite the series defeat, the Lancashire stalwart identified several bright sparks within the current pace bowling reserves.
He highlighted Josh Tongue as a standout prospect for the Test arena but expressed caution regarding Jofra Archer’s future due to persistent injuries and scheduling commitments.
“I love Josh Tongue, I think he’s a serious bowler and I’m sure he’ll play many, many more Tests.”
The experienced campaigner also praised the efforts of Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson during a difficult tour Down Under.
He urged emerging pace bowlers and batters across the county circuit to stake their claims early in the upcoming domestic season.
Red Rose promotion push
Focus for the legendary bowler now shifts entirely to domestic duties ahead of his first full campaign as Lancashire’s red-ball captain.
He is determined to guide his county out of the second tier and back into Division One of the County Championship.
Despite approaching his 44th birthday this summer, the prospect of a potential title challenge next year continues to motivate him.
“There were times throughout the winter where I maybe thought about, ‘What if we get promoted and we’ve got a chance to push for the championship next year, would I want to be involved in that?’ And of course I would.”
However, the physical toll of a remarkable career means he will manage his body and playing future on a strictly day-by-day basis.
Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National this April to defend his Masters title, one year after finally securing the elusive career Grand Slam.
The Northern Irishman etched his name into golfing history last spring by capturing the prestigious green jacket.
That historic victory ended a long wait to claim the final major championship missing from his impressive resume.
However, the defending champion faces formidable competition ahead of the renowned tournament, which runs from 9 to 12 April.
Scheffler leads the contenders
Scottie Scheffler arrives in Georgia as the overwhelming favourite to secure another victory at the iconic venue.
The American has consistently dominated the upper echelons of the sport and poses a significant threat to the title holder.
A star-studded field will battle across the pristine fairways, ensuring a spectacular opening major for the 2026 season.
Chasing back-to-back glory
McIlroy’s triumph in 2025 completed a remarkable journey that began with his first major championship breakthrough back in 2011.
Only a highly exclusive group of golfing legends have ever managed to win all four modern major tournaments.
The four-time major winner will now attempt to become the first back-to-back champion at Augusta since Tiger Woods.
Amelia Kerr scored a stunning unbeaten 179 as New Zealand chased down a target of 346 against South Africa in Wellington to complete the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.
The historic two-wicket victory levels the series after the hosts successfully reached 350-8 with just two deliveries remaining.
Arriving at the crease with her side struggling at 21-1, the reigning ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year anchored the monumental pursuit.
The 24-year-old all-rounder smashed 23 fours and a solitary six during a masterful 139-ball innings.
South Africa set imposing target
Earlier in the day, the visitors had seemingly batted themselves into an unassailable position.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt set the foundation for the Proteas with a composed 69 from 74 balls.
Anneke Bosch accelerated the scoring with 91, before Chloe Tryon added late fireworks via a blistering 25-ball 52 to propel her team to 346-6.
Gaze support secures historic milestone
The previous highest successful chase in the women’s 50-over format occurred last October when India overhauled a 338-run target set by Australia in a World Cup semi-final.
To eclipse that record, the White Ferns required vital lower-order support alongside their talismanic batter.
Izzy Gaze provided exactly that, contributing a crucial 68 from 48 balls to keep the required run rate manageable.
This latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume for the Wellington native.
The prolific scorer previously inspired her nation to T20 World Cup glory against the same opposition in 2024.
She also continues to hold the overall record for the highest individual score in women’s ODI cricket following her monumental 232 not out against Ireland in 2018.
Tiger Woods’ decision to step away from golf and seek help could lead to a powerful new role shaping the sport’s future, according to analyst Brandel Chamblee.
The 15-time major champion recently indicated he would be taking a break from the game to focus on his personal wellbeing.
Former professional golfer and current television pundit Chamblee believes this pause could ultimately cement the American’s legacy off the course.
A new chapter for the golfing icon
Instead of focusing solely on competitive comebacks, the 50-year-old could now transition into a guiding figure for the next generation.
The legendary player has already taken on considerable leadership responsibilities, particularly during ongoing negotiations regarding the professional game’s future.
Chamblee suggests that prioritising his health will allow the former world number one to become a highly influential elder statesman.
Shifting mindset and seeking help
Acknowledging the need for assistance represents a significant shift in mindset for such a fiercely competitive athlete.
While fans may see less of him inside the ropes, his long-term impact on the sport’s direction may be more profound than ever before.
Former champion Michelle Wie West is ending her three-year retirement to compete at the US Women’s Open in California this June.
The 36-year-old last featured on the LPGA Tour at the exact same major three years ago.
She intends to utilise her final year of eligibility for the prestigious tournament, which begins on 4 June at Riviera in Pacific Palisades.
Champions typically receive a 10-year exemption, but the Hawaiian-born golfer saw her stint extended until 2026 to account for maternity leave.
A fitting farewell at an iconic venue
Announcing the move on social media, the five-time tour winner expressed her profound excitement to return to competitive golf.
“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I’ll be teeing it up at the US Women’s Open at Riviera in June.”
The celebrated former prodigy originally claimed her sole major triumph at Pinehurst in 2014.
Overcoming physical struggles
Rising to international prominence at an incredibly early age, the young star was once tipped to emulate the dominant success of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
She became the youngest player to win an adult USGA championship at 13, and subsequently made the cut at an LPGA major aged just 14.
However, after enduring more than two decades in the intense sporting spotlight, the mother of two stepped away from the game.
At the time of her departure, she cited that her body could no longer cope with the physical rigours of professional golf.
This major comeback follows a recent announcement that she will also participate in the inaugural women’s TGL team golf league later this year.
Tiger Woods has told Florida authorities he was distracted by his mobile phone and radio moments before a rollover car crash led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The 50-year-old’s vehicle flipped onto its side after clipping a truck near his Jupiter Island residence last Friday.
A probable cause affidavit from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events preceding the incident.
Sobriety tests and hydrocodone discovery
Investigators noted the 15-time major champion exhibited bloodshot, glassy eyes and extremely dilated pupils at the crash scene.
The golfing icon was also described as sweating profusely, lethargic and slow in his movements.
He agreed to perform standard field sobriety exercises following the collision.
Officers subsequently discovered two hydrocodone pills inside his trousers pocket.
Driver distraction cited as crash cause
The former world number one stated he did not realise the vehicle ahead had reduced its speed.
Instead, he admitted to looking down at his mobile device to change the radio station immediately prior to the impact.
The American sportsman firmly denied consuming any alcohol on the day of the crash.
When questioned by authorities about prescription medication, he acknowledged taking earlier doses.
“I take a few.”
He confirmed to deputies that this medication had been consumed earlier that morning.
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer lay undiscovered for 82 minutes after a fatal crash at the 2024 Road World Championships in Zurich, investigators have found.
The 18-year-old died from a serious head injury after leaving the road in wet conditions during the junior road race.
An official investigation by the Zurich Public Prosecutors’ Office has concluded there was no evidence of criminal conduct or negligence by organisers.
Hidden in the undergrowth
The talented young rider crashed on a familiar route close to where she grew up, coming off the tarmac into a wooded area.
Race marshals stationed along the 45.7-mile course did not see the incident occur.
The injured cyclist lay hidden in the undergrowth and was not visible from the road.
Prosecutors stated the accident happened at approximately 11:04 local time, entirely out of sight of support vehicles, officials and spectators.
Due to the lack of an automated reporting system, the injured athlete was not discovered until 12:26.
Tracking technology changes
At the time of the tragedy, world governing body the UCI did not permit live tracking or radio communication in the World Championships.
Such vital safety measures are routinely utilised in major professional stage events like the Tour de France.
Following the disaster, the international federation mandated GPS trackers for the 2025 championships in Rwanda to ensure rider whereabouts are constantly monitored.
Cyclists’ union president Adam Hansen previously told BBC Sport that implementing this technology was an easy solution that should have arrived years earlier.
Recent safety concerns
Medical responders reached the scene within minutes of the teenager finally being located, providing immediate care before she was airlifted to University Hospital Zurich.
In tribute to the late rider, her race number 84 has been permanently retired from women’s junior road events.
The Swiss investigation’s findings arrive just days after British star Tom Pidcock suffered a remarkably similar unseen crash.
The Q36.5 rider fell into a ravine during a fast descent at the Volta a Catalunya, remaining invisible to broadcast cameras and race organisers.
However, the two-time Olympic mountain bike champion was able to use his team radio to call for help, ultimately surviving the ordeal.