Tragedy has struck in New Zealand as a teenager lost his life following participation in a rugby-inspired phenomenon that involves players charging at one another without any protective gear, according to police reports.
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This so-called “run-it-straight” challenge, fueled by social media and often witnessed by large crowds, has rapidly gained popularity across both New Zealand and Australia.
While organized competitions promise substantial prize money, this trend has raised significant concerns about the risks of concussion and other serious injuries.
Regrettably, a 19-year-old from New Zealand’s North Island succumbed to his injuries after engaging in the game with friends over the weekend, as stated by authorities.
“Tragically, he passed away in the hospital last night,” the police representative conveyed. “We urge anyone contemplating participation in such games or events to seriously consider the significant safety and injury risks involved,” he emphasized.
The participating teenager was involved in an “impromptu game among friends,” rather than an officially sanctioned event. “The collision game stemmed from a social media trend where competitors engage in full-contact encounters without any protective gear,” he added.
These organized run-it-straight events have caught the eye of former professional rugby players. Notably, ex-Leicester, Montpellier, and Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo took part in a similar event earlier this year, showcasing how even seasoned athletes are drawn to this extreme challenge.
Experts are cautioning users about the serious risks of concussions associated with this growing trend. One organized competition dubbed it the “world’s fiercest, new collision sport,” where participants run toward each other from a distance of 20 meters.
A run-it-straight event in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, faced suspension recently after a participant began convulsing on the ground, according to local media reports.
The brain injury charity Headway has strongly criticized these competitions. “There are some horrendous and truly distressing videos,” said chief executive Stacey Mowbray in an interview with Radio New Zealand. “You can visibly see seizures and the consequences of clear brain injuries,” she added.
As rugby and other sports continue to confront growing evidence linking head contact to debilitating brain diseases, the conversation around player safety is more critical than ever. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is known to lead to violent mood swings, dementia, and depression, while injuries from head impacts have also been connected to disorders like motor neuron disease, early-onset dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
In light of these alarming trends, we must advocate for safer practices and make informed decisions regarding participation in such high-risk activities.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
