Christie out for season

Shane Christie’s Super Rugby season is over due to experiencing ‘‘concussion-like’’ symptoms.

The Highlanders confirmed on Friday he would take no further part in their campaign, which runs until at least July 16.

The 31-year-old flanker was yet to be diagnosed with a specific condition, but the team confirmed he had been experiencing ‘‘concussion-like’’ symptoms.

The condition has been managed by Highlanders medical staff, with support from New Zealand Rugby and has included independent assessment of his situation.

Highlanders coach Tony Brown said: ‘‘it’s unfortunate for the team and Shane that we won’t see him in our colours this year but we fully support the medical decision not to play to assist his recovery.’’

Christie will remain with the team as part of the leadership group for the rest of the season.

He hasn’t played at all this season, but Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis earlier this month said he was ‘‘very confident’’ of being fit for this year’s Mitre 10 Cup. ‘‘All we know is that he’s not fit to play at the moment against the protocols to make sure he’s fit to play.’’