Those of us with connections into the world of professional sport will not be shocked by the findings of this research. However, a paper like this has the potential to shift the narrative regarding male professional athletes; specifically, those in such a visible sport as professional rugby union.

This research can illuminate the pitfalls of professional sport while also furthering current examinations of mental health among athletes. The research demonstrates that over one in five of all Super Rugby players in Aotearoa report symptoms of depression. This research will be challenging to a number of sport fans in this country. Though, not surprising in mental health and wellbeing advocacy circles.

It won’t be unsurprising to most that there are high rates of alcohol related harm in the elite sports scene. However, societal shifts have potentially also had an impact on what may have been a much higher rate 20 years ago.

In 2024 the focus on societal issues such as alcohol-related harm, gambling and mental health is far greater than it has ever been. However, for the public to see the extent of these impacts on their Super Rugby heroes has significant potential for further social change. I hope that this research can be a point of entry for further, and potentially deeper, illumination of elite athletes as people who share the same afflictions that so many of us ‘common folk’ do.