NZ teen dies after taking part in rugby-inspired social media craze
A teenager has died in New Zealand after taking part in a rugby-inspired social media craze that sees participants sprint and crash into each other, police said Tuesday.
The 'run-it-straight challenge' has gone viral on social media across New Zealand and Australia, attracting huge crowds to events where participants charge each other head-on with no protective gear.
READ | World's Strongest Man Rayno Nel happy to carry Mzansi on his back: 'It's life-changing'
A 19-year-old died from a 'serious head injury' in New Zealand's North Island after playing the game with friends over the weekend, New Zealand Police said in a statement.
'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 hospital on Monday night.
'We would urge anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks.'
Organised run-it-straight competitions offer thousands of dollars in prize money and have drawn interest from ex-professional rugby players.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fiji set to challenge Wallabies before Lions series
Fiji are set to provide the Wallabies with a benchmark for their preparations for the British and Irish Lions after the Pacific islanders named a strong squad for their Test match in Newcastle next month. Fiji and Australia will meet on July 6 in Australia's only international before facing the Lions in a three-Test series beginning in Brisbane on July 19. It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought. The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage. Coach Mick Byrne on Thursday announced a 32-member squad to face the Wallabies and also Scotland in Suva on July 12. While 13 players are from the Fijian Drua, who finished 10th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition, Byrne has also selected 10 players based in France and five in England. The backline is set to include European stars such as Josua Tuisova (Racing 92), who scored a try in their World Cup win over Australia, Sireli Maqala (Bayonne) and Salesi Rayasi (Vannes). Former powerhouse NRL winger Semi Radradra, who plays for Lyon, is a notable omission. Veteran forwards Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Samuel Matavesi (Lyon), and Albert Tuisue (Gloucester) bolster a dominant forward pack. Tevita Ikanivere, Caleb Muntz, and Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki are among players named from the Drua after strong Super Rugby performances. "Both Australia and Scotland are established Tier One sides, and we know the level we need to rise to," Byrne said in a statement. "We've focused on combinations that give us both tactical adaptability and the trademark Fijian spirit. "We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby. "This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud." Fiji squad: Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Teluk Intan crash: FRU truck lacked seat belts; lorry violated GPS rules, says Transport Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Both vehicles involved in the fatal Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck crash in Teluk Intan last month were found to have breached key safety standards, according to a preliminary report released by the Transport Ministry. The FRU truck, which was carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 Sungai Senam, lacked essential passive safety features, including seat belts in the rear cabin and front seats, according to a report published in Berita Harian today. The bench-type rear seats had no restraints, and the absence of seat belts is believed to have significantly increased the severity of injuries during the May 13 collision. Investigators found that most of the passengers were likely thrown forward upon impact, particularly towards the front-left section of the cabin, causing multiple secondary impacts between individuals and the cabin interior. Unsecured objects in the cabin may have also turned into projectiles, compounding the risk.'The combination of missing restraint systems and unsecured objects is believed to be a major contributing factor to the high number of severe injuries and fatalities in this incident,' the report stated. It added that urgent attention is needed to improve safety standards in such vehicles. Meanwhile, in another report published by Buletin TV3 today, the same report also revealed that the lorry involved, which was transporting stones, had not met mandatory GPS installation and operational requirements as stipulated under Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) guidelines. The lorry's GPS system was inactive, prompting the ministry to issue a show-cause letter on May 23. This non-compliance breached Item 11 of the Service Level Requirements and Section 57 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715). The guidelines require all commercial vehicles to be fitted with functional GPS to monitor speed and location, with exemptions only for school buses operating across fewer than three districts. Operators are expected to use GPS data for monitoring, disciplinary action, and record-keeping, while preventing tampering or data falsification. Failure to comply could result in fines, imprisonment, or suspension or revocation of licenses. While dashcams are not yet mandatory, the ministry said new safety regulations may require their installation starting in early 2026. The crash on May 13 occurred at approximately 8.50am, killing eight officers at the scene, with another later succumbing to injuries at Teluk Intan Hospital. Nine others were injured. The FRU personnel were en route back to Ipoh after completing duty at the Chitrapournami celebration.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Operation Safe Online Summer nabs Arizona child abuse suspects
The Brief Operation Safe Online Summer resulted in the arrests of dozens, which included some Arizona suspects. The operation, led by the Dept. of Justice, worked with local, state and federal authorities to crackdown on online child exploitation offenders. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is pleading with parents to talk with their kids about the dangers and warning signs. PHOENIX - More than 70 online child predators were arrested in Operation Safe Online Summer, with some arrests happening in Arizona. What we know The nationwide Department of Justice operation began in April and included dozens of local, state and federal authorities. The operation targeted child predators and those who share child exploration materials, and the crackdown isn't over yet. Authorities say more indictments and arrests are on the way in Arizona and across the country. Seventy-two people in Arizona and surrounding states were arrested. Authorities hope this is a wake-up call to all parents. "Parents and people who care for children, please use as much safety as you can," Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro pleaded. By the numbers It started with more than 139 cyber tips that were alerted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Of the people arrested, nine are considered hands-on offenders, and 12 are registered sex offenders. There are ways to see the signs. "Take five minutes today. Take five minutes to start this conversation, because when it comes to protecting your kids, waiting is not an option, "Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said. The operation identified 25 ongoing exploitation victims, and 14 new child victims. "Every child rescued, every predator taken off the streets represents a safer future for Arizona," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said. Operation Safe Online Summer also included 11 community education events, reaching 350 parents and students. What we don't know The names of the suspects and the charges they're facing haven't been released.
