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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Aspiring footy star Riley Mansfield is forced to retire due to the savage effects of head knocks - and he's only 15
A promising teenage rugby league player from Queensland has been forced into early retirement due to repeated concussions, prompting renewed calls to delay tackling in junior sport. Riley Mansfield, 15, was competing in Queensland's elite Dolphins Cup competition when he sustained a series of head injuries that left him unable to attend school for weeks. Riley, who had dreams of playing for the North Queensland Cowboys like his idol Johnathan Thurston, said watching football now is bittersweet. 'I wish I could play every time I watch the footy on TV. I want to be back out there,' he told ABC Sport. His mother, Kristy, described the severity of her son's symptoms following his final concussion in April. 'He was suffering significant symptoms - very light sensitive, noise sensitive, severe headaches - and he's got a pretty strong pain threshold,' she said. 'It took us about six weeks to gradually introduce him back into normal activities. That meant he wasn't able to do school for a period of time.' After consultations with neurologists in Brisbane, Riley was advised not to return to contact sport for at least five years. For the Mansfield family, it's a painful case of déjà vu. Riley's father, Andrew, suffered a broken neck on the same football field in Mackay when he was 15. 'That was my last game of footy,' Andrew Mansfield said. 'I was the width of a piece of hair from never walking again.' The Mansfield family's story has reignited debate around tackling in youth sport, particularly in light of growing research into the long-term impact of repeated head trauma. Griffith University lecturer Dr Joel Garrett has warned that children should not be involved in tackling until at least age 12. 'One of the big reasons is they have a larger head and weaker neck muscles, which puts them at greater risk of some of those rotational forces,' he said. Dr Garrett explained that children between the ages of eight and 12 are at a critical stage in cognitive and motor development. 'An eight-year-old may struggle with the rapid judgements required to execute a safe tackle. 'By 12, they may have developed the ability to make those last-second adjustments. 'We're not saying 'no tackling,' but there needs to be a structured plan leading into it.' In response to growing concerns, the NRL implemented its Player Development Framework in 2024 to improve safety in junior competitions. Under the changes, children aged six and under play League Tag, a non-contact version of rugby league. For under-sevens, the season is split into two halves - beginning with League Tag and transitioning into tackle later in the year. At senior levels, the NRL has strengthened its concussion protocols. Stand-down periods, independent medical assessments, and increased penalties for breaches are now standard. In 2023, the league launched a brain health initiative to fund research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. CTE has been diagnosed in several former players, including Paul Green, Quentin Pongia and Steve Folkes, who were found to have the condition after their deaths. Mario Fenech, another former NRL star, has publicly detailed his struggle with cognitive decline believed to be the result of repeated concussions during his playing career. The disease, which can only be diagnosed posthumously, causes symptoms including memory loss, aggression, and confusion.
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Health
- Reuters
New Zealand PM condemns 'dumb' viral rugby tackle challenge after teen death
May 30 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined the condemnation of the "run it straight" rugby tackle challenge that has gone viral on social media after a teenager died from a serious head injury earlier this week. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died in the city of Palmerston North on Monday after taking part in the challenge that aims to emulate the collisions that occur when muscle-bound rugby players come together on the field. "All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this," Luxon told local media on Friday. "You're hearing the advice from police, from the medical fraternity, from government, from principals saying don't do it. "To the adults that are involved in more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. "The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop." Organised "run it straight" competitions, where competitors with no protection run at each other on a 20-metre grass strip for cash prizes, have been held in Australia and New Zealand over the last year. The trend has attracted widespread condemnation from politicians and the New Zealand medical community, particularly those working in the field of head injuries. New Zealand Rugby, which along with the rest of the rugby world over the last decade has been looking at ways of reducing head injuries in the game, extended its condolences to Satterthwaite's family in a statement earlier this week. "We urge people not to take part in run it straight games or competitions as they carry significant risk of serious injury," it read. "Those wanting to play contact sports should register for a school or club team and learn in a controlled and safe environment how to tackle safely and the art of evasion."
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Family of teenager who died playing ‘run it straight' make heartbreaking revelation
The family of Ryan Satterthwaite, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a backyard 'run it straight' game, has revealed the teenager and his friends got the idea to play the game after seeing it online. For years the 'run it straight' trend has sporadically gone viral on social media platforms. But in recent months it has transformed from a viral social media trend to a fully-fledged sport, with 'Run it Straight Official' and 'RUNIT Championship League' turning it into a business and holding competitions in Australia and New Zealand. The sport involves four rounds of players charging at each other along a 10m grass runway, with each competitor taking turns carrying a rugby ball. The objective is to either successfully tackle the opponent or run them over in a hard-hitting collision. The contest ends when a player is knocked out or concussed. If both players remain standing at the end of four rounds, a judging panel decides the winner, with the key criteria judged being damage to your opponent. But the 'sport' has been controversial due to the violent nature of some of the tackles, as leading neuroscientists warn 'people will die'. And that grave warning has now rang true, with Kiwi teenager Ryan Satterthwaite dying from what was described as an 'innocuous' tackle playing a backyard game of 'run it straight' on the weekend. According to Ryan's uncle, Peter Satterthwaite, his nephew and his friends decided to try it at a 21st birthday celebration on Sunday after seeing the big hits on social media. 'They decided to give it a go because of what they saw on social media and on the news last week about it,' Satterthwaite told Stuff. Footage of the tackle that resulted in the injuries that would later take the life of Ryan, was given to police. The video of the tackle in question reportedly didn't even hit his head, instead it was the jolting motion of the hit that proved fatal. Satterthwaite says in the aftermath of the game, his nephew was coherent and talking with his friends but soon deteriorated at a rapid rate. An ambulance was called to the home in Palmerston North but he went downhill at such a rate, his friends decided they couldn't wait for it to arrive, rushing him to Palmerston North Hospital. By the time they arrived Ryan had lost consciousness due to the swelling on his brain. He would never wake up. Dr Alan Pearce warns 'it will happen again' Leading sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce told that it was sadly 'only a matter of time' until someone died playing the sport. 'This was a matter of time really as sad as that is to say,' Dr Pearce told on Tuesday. 'The concern is that this can happen at any level. Even in the sanctioned 'run it' events someone will probably die in that at some point as well. 'It can't be done safely and when there's kids and teens that see it they like to copy what they see online, and this is something that absolutely not should be copied. 'It is the biggest please do not try this at home disclaimer if I've ever seen one'. That message was echoed by Satterthwaite, who told Stuff: 'We can put it all out on social media that this is a silly thing to do. Don't do it but no-one's going to listen to us unless we get celebrities on board.' After the teen's death made waves RUNIT Championship League organisers released a statement saying they did 'not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions'. 'This is tragic news and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ryan. Any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly-controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support.' But that response only infuriated Peter Satterthwaite who said that they are 'dumb' if they think that would stop another fatality from happening. 'That's just their bullsh** line to justify what they're trying to do,' he continued. 'What did they think was going to happen? They'd be dumb if they thought nobody was going to get hurt. They said on the news they have a medical professional on standby. But a medical professional wouldn't have helped Ryan one little bit.' New Zealand rugby stars urge caution amid tragic death On Wednesday night, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) issued a statement, saying: 'NZRL is not associated with nor encourages participation in any events or collision sports like Runit.' 'It's concerning to see people in these events putting themselves at risk of serious injury, and we strongly encourage our rugby league community to only participate in games or events organised or sanctioned by NZRL, our zones and districts, or our associates,' the statement continued. 'In doing so, we can control and mitigate the health and safety of all involved.' While New Zealand rugby stars urged people to not participate in the violent sport. Former All Black halfback Steve Devine told Radio NZ the game was a 'recipe for disaster' and believes it should be banned. While All Blacks star Ardie Savea admitted he had participated in something similar during his youth and said it was therefore hard to condemn it without being a hypocrite. 'It's a tough one,' Ardie Savea said at Moana Pasifika training on Thursday. 'I don't know the precautions they take in terms of the head side of things and you can see the other side and understand why they're doing it and whatnot. 'It's hard because it's kind of made me the rugby player I am – I used to do run it straights in the backyard with Bus (brother Julian Savea) – so you kind of see both sides. 'It's really hard to say, but I'd just encourage people to be safe.' New Zealand government moves to crack down on controversial spot The future of 'run it straight' now hangs in the balance in New Zealand, with the Government seeking advice on what they can do about the controversial sport. Sport NZ group chief executive Raelene Castle told the New Zealand Herald it was concerned about the emergence of the sport, 'which clearly comes with significant health and safety risks'. 'Both Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) are committed to fostering safe and inclusive activities and events for all New Zealanders. 'We are working to facilitate a cross-agency discussion with those who have an interest in this area on what a Government approach to the operation of combat sport, including the emergence of activities and events like run it straight, in New Zealand could look like.' Castle strongly advised people against participating in run it or any activities that encourage high-speed collisions. While New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labelled Satterthwaite's death an 'absolute tragedy' on Friday morning and said competing in the viral trend was 'a dumb thing to do'. 'When it's happening at a 21st birthday party unofficially, that is not something the Government can solve through legislation or through regulation,' Luxon said. 'All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this. You're hearing the advice from the police, from the medical fraternity, from the Government, from principals saying don't do it. 'To the adults that are involved in the more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. 'The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop.'
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Sarah Togatuki: State of Origin star who was already reeling from her brother's suicide stuns teammates with incredible act just days after her sister died
They may have lost the match, but New South Wales star Sarah Togatuki showed incredible bravery just to play in Thursday night's Origin clash in Newcastle. The Blues forward showed unbelievable to take the field just days after the sudden death of her sister Jean, which followed the tragic death of her brother Junior, who took his own life in February. Jean passed away on Saturday following a brief hospital stay, leaving the Togatuki family devastated. Despite her grief, Sarah played in Thursday night's match against Queensland, contributing 42 metres in a 14-minute stint before a head knock forced her off the field. At fulltime, she was visibly emotional, surrounded by loved ones who had come to support her in Newcastle. The Blues team wore black armbands in Jean's memory, standing in solidarity with their grieving teammate. Coach John Strange praised Togatuki's courage, expressing doubt that any other player could have matched her strength in such circumstances. 'I don't know if I could have done that [after] losing a sister on Saturday,' he said after the game. 'I had a chat to her about spending time with her family, but it was also really important to her and her family that she came out and represented them. 'So to show the strength of character to do that, is a real testament to who she is as a person and the love she has for her family and the game that she plays. 'She's certainly not underestimated by any of us for what she does. Outstanding player and even better person.' Captain Isabelle Kelly, a longtime NRLW teammate, said the squad had supported Togatuki through the tragedy. 'When you know Sala, she's an infectious type of person. She wasn't in camp with us for a bit and we missed her, we missed her presence,' Kelly said. 'She puts everyone before herself and she's just really inspiring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Togatuki (@salatogatuki) Sarah let all the emotion flow out at fulltime after climbing into the stands to be with her family The extended family all travelled to Newcastle to support Sarah with a sign saying that Jean was her #1 supporter 'A lot of us were saying we wouldn't have been able to do what she has done this week. 'She was a huge inspiration for us leading into this game and I know she would have done her family so proud, even though she came off, she's done all of us proud with the strength that she has. 'I feel really honoured and lucky to be able to pull on a jersey alongside her.' Jean has been honoured with an outpouring of tributes on social media, including from her daughter. 'I never thought I had to say this speech so young but I promise to fulfill the dream you and I shared I promise to do you proud I will live in your name loud and proud,' she wrote. 'The stadiums have been quiet without and also the house hold , you've made a massive impact on many lives and I am glad to be named your daughter mum I love you deeper than the sea could ever get.' Sarah herself posted a lengthy tribute to her 'best friend' and also revealed it came after the loss of her brother. 'In the blink of an eye, our family's world changed. My beautiful big sister gained her wings and has gone to be with our brother JNR,' she posted. The tributes flowed on social media including a heartbreaking post from Jean's daughter 'It still doesn't feel real. She was only admitted to hospital two weeks ago, and now she's gone. The pain is overwhelming, especially for her four beautiful babies. 'She wasn't just my sister. She was my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the quiet glue that held our family together. 'After losing our brother, she vowed to protect us all, and she truly lived that promise. She always showed up. Always put others before herself. Always stood on loyalty and love. 'I'm numb. Still struggling to find the words. My sister carried a light that touched so many. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. If she loved you, you felt it deeply. 'She was a mother figure to many and a steady anchor in every phase of life she walked through.'
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Wales number eight Faletau signs new Cardiff deal
Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has signed a new deal to stay at 34, was out of contract at the end of the season at the Arms who were taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in April after temporarily going into administration, have announced Faletau is staying for a fourth has been named in Wales' squad for the two Test tour of Japan in July which is being led by his Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt in his role as interim head number eight will have not given up hope of being called up for a fourth British and Irish Lions tour having not been named in the initial touring party to has played 108 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions. "I'm happy to be staying with Cardiff and continuing to play my rugby here at home," said Faletau."Being part of this group of players has been amazing. There's a good vibe on and off the pitch, and I really enjoy working with Jockey [Matt Sherratt]. His insights and support have challenged me to grow and improve."I'm grateful for the continued opportunity and looking forward to what's shaping up to be an exciting year ahead." 'One of the greatest' Faletau, who started his career with Dragons, has been limited to just 23 appearances for Cardiff in three years since his move from Bath.A broken arm suffered in the 2023 World Cup against Georgia was followed by a fractured shoulder on his club return in April 2024 against has had a run of games in recent months and has been excellent in the second half of the season."We are delighted to be able to keep Taulupe at Cardiff and in Wales," said Sherratt."He is a highly respected member of our squad and has shown recently the quality he brings to the pitch. "He is one of very few players who has real quality in every aspect of the game."He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to pull on a Cardiff shirt and the red shirt of Wales and we are delighted he is staying with us."Taulupe and his family are settled in Cardiff and this played a big part in him agreeing a new contract."
