British youths warned not to take part in trend after Kiwi teenager is killed in controversial game - but UK stars 'support it'

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

British teenagers have been warned not to take part in a dangerous trend that has led to the tragic death of a New Zealand teenager.
The rugby-style tackling game has become popular online in recent months but with deadly consequences.
In the game, two players charge head first towards each other over a 20-metre 'battlefield' without any protective equipment or kit.
It has become a social media sensation, with organisers touting it as 'the world's fiercest new combat sport'.
The aim of the game involves one player trying to tackle and take a rugby ball that their opponent is holding.
The rules of the controversial game state: 'Victory belongs tot he one who dominates the collision', but for some players, it has resulted in their premature death.
On Monday night a 19-year-old Kiwi man died after suffering a serious head injury in a game inspired by the controversial 'Run It Straight' trend.
Ryan Satterthwaite from northern New Zealand passed away on after taking part in the full-contact collision game on Sunday afternoon.
Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, (pictured) from New Zealand died after suffering a serious head injury in a game inspired by the controversial 'Run It Straight' trend
Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed the young man was playing an impromptu tackle game with friends when the injury occurred.
He was taken to hospital by his friends, but could not be saved.
The game has been championed by former England rugby player George Burgess, 33 who won £9,500 after competing in a tournament in Australia, according to The Mirror.
Burgess who played his last game in the NRL for St George Illawarra three years ago and won 15 caps for England between 2013 and 2018, squared off against giant former winger, Nadolo, who stands at a towering 195cm and weighs approximately 136kg.
Nadolo, who was born in Fiji, was capped 30 times for his home country, scoring a whopping 206 points and was renowned for his physicality.
Neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray has called the game unacceptably risky.
'There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,' she told the NZ Herald.
Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, said the sport is 'a step backwards'.
'This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle,' she said.
'The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.'
Run It Straight's founder, Christian Lesa, said community support remains strong despite backlash and stated the game should only be played under strict conditions.
Sports star Burgess defended the concept, calling it a safe simulation of past combat.
Event spokesperson Billy Coffey said organised competitions involve waivers, pre- and post-medicals, and on-site ambulances.
He claimed it gives former athletes a chance to 'get off the couch' and reconnect with their competitive spirit.