A brain researcher says anyone who's experienced repeated head injuries, or knocks, is at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
The family of Billy Guyton, a former Blues and New Zealand Māori halfback who died last year aged 33, received a report from the Brain Bank this week after extensive testing, confirming a diagnosis of CTE.
New Zealand Rugby says it is concerned about the possibility that repeated head impacts in rugby may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases in later life.
It says it's supporting world-leading research on long-term impacts, including understanding any link between concussion in rugby and long-term brain health.
Dr Helen Murray, who plays ice hockey for New Zealand and is a fellow at the centre for brain research at the University of Auckland, spoke to Morning Report.
