Tragic Death Sparks Safety Concerns Over Viral Rugby Tackle Game

The death of a 19-year-old in New Zealand during a viral game of "run it straight" has prompted urgent calls for enhanced safety measures in such informal sports, underscoring risks associated with social media-endorsed activities.

A 19-year-old man in New Zealand tragically lost his life due to a "serious head injury" sustained while playing a social media-inspired tackle game known as "run it straight." The young man, identified in local reports as Ryan Satterthwaite, succumbed to his injuries in a Palmerston North hospital on Monday following an impromptu match with friends.

In "run it straight," two players—one holding a ball and the other acting as the tackler—face off in a collision meant to knock one another down. Following this incident, police spokesperson Ross Grantham urged individuals contemplating participation in similar activities to carefully weigh the safety risks involved. "This unfortunate event highlights the dangers associated with such games," he noted, emphasizing that while the clash was spontaneous, the injuries it can cause are serious.

The game, which has been played casually in New Zealand and Australia for years, gained popularity online, attracting endorsements from professional rugby players. Critics, however, have raised alarms about its potential to inflict severe head injuries and trauma. Social media is rife with videos of "run it straight" challenges, showcasing youth charging at each other, sometimes to the point of unconsciousness post-collision.

As its online popularity surged, some individuals began organizing "run it straight" tournaments. One such event, the Runit Championship League, recently debuted in Auckland, following an earlier successful event in Australia. The league reportedly attracted over 1,000 spectators as participants battled for a prize of approximately $13,000. Nonetheless, injuries were noted, with one incident capturing a participant seemingly experiencing a seizure after a forceful hit.

Kimami Ngaluafe, an organizer of another "run it straight" event in New Zealand, highlighted that this game serves as a cherished national pastime, appealing to a diverse age group. "It's part of our backyard culture," he told the BBC. However, in light of Satterthwaite's death, he stressed the essential nature of safety, advocating for protective headgear and the presence of spotters to safeguard players from severe injuries, especially in a culture where children frequently engage in such activities.

"This is an urgent reminder that our youth must be guided safely in the sports they engage in," Ngaluafe concluded, recognizing the need for better practices and education around informal sports played across the nation.