Teenager dies after rugby-inspired game

The “run-it-straight” rugby challenge craze has predominantly swept across New Zealand and Australia, largely fuelled by social media, and which sees participants sprint into each other head-on with no protective gear.

Occasionally offering thousands of dollars in prize money, and gathering big crowds, the game effectively creates high-speed collisions between amateurs of all shapes and sizes, raising real fears of concussion and other serious injuries.

The worst fears have now been realised after a 19-year-old New Zealander died of a “serious head injury” after a game of “run it straight” in the city of Palmerston North.

Police issue warning after ‘rugby’ trend goes wrong

On this occasion, the teenager had been participating in an “impromptu game among friends” rather than a planned event.

“The man suffered a serious head injury when tackled and was taken to hospital by friends,” police inspector Ross Grantham said.

“Tragically, he passed away in the hospital on Monday night. We would urge anyone thinking about participating in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks.

“The tackle game played by the group of friends was based on a social media-driven trend where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear.”

Were you aware of this social media trend?

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