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19-Year-Old Dies in Informal 'Run-It-Straight' Tackle Game

Ryan Satterthwaite’s death has prompted warnings about the high risk of serious brain injury in unsanctioned full-contact collisions.

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In the game RUNIT, inspired by Rugby, competitors run towards each other to collide without protective gear.
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Overview

  • Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, sustained a fatal head injury during a private ‘run-it-straight’ game in Palmerston North and died in hospital Monday night.
  • The viral challenge pits two participants against each other on a 20m x 4m field with no protective gear and aims to bowl the opponent over at full speed.
  • RUNIT Championship League emphasises that its sanctioned events include rigorous participant screening and on-site medical supervision to mitigate risks.
  • Experts such as Patria Hume warn that repeated high-impact collisions without safety protocols significantly increase the likelihood of life-threatening brain trauma.
  • Police say the incident is not criminal but inquiries are underway for the coroner and the public is urged to consider the severe safety hazards before taking part.