NZ records first case of ‘CTE’ in an international rep player

Confirmed case of an international sports representative diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) – the neurodegenerative condition triggered by repeated head trauma.

The family of the player, who died in 2021 has chosen to remain anonymous. In a report published by the New Zealand Medical Journal today, the player represented New Zealand in rugby league duing the 1960s and early 1970s, finishing his career in his late 30s. He also played rugby union from a young age and took part in high school boxing.

His career spanned numerous matches for the Kiwis – both tests and non-internationals, during which the player sustained several ‘minor’ head injuries, one necessitating hospitalisation.

At the age of 64 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease based on motor symptoms. At 70 he experienced cognitive challenges, including apathy and depression, culminating in dementia requiring hospital-level care.

His death at age of 79 led to the donation of his brain to Auckland University’s human brain bank. Postmortem examination by researchers uncovered an advanced stage of CTE, characterised by irritability, impulsivity, depression, and memory deterioration. Consequently, he becomes the first New Zealand sporting international diagnosed with CTE.

Three other instances of CTE stemming from sports-related head trauma have been noted. These include rugby union players Justin Jennings and Geoffrey Joseph Cooper, and former Māori All Black Billy Guyton, who tragically ended his own life last year.

In another highly-publicised case, former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman is alleged to be grappling with probable CTE due to an estimated 150,000 head impacts during his career.

Auckland University professor Maurice Curtis told legacy media the findings were significant given the context of rugby league and rugby union, particularly in New Zealand. Curtis said it was important for medical experts to support postmortem diagnoses to address the issue comprehensively.

Image credit: Robina Weermeijer