THE 19-YEAR-OLD DIED IN HOSPITAL AFTER SUFFERING A 'SERIOUS HEAD INJURY' 12:50, 29 May 2025 New Zealand Rugby have issued a statement after a teenager died in what his family says

was a "freak accident" while playing a rugby-style tackling game. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died in hospital on Monday after suffering a "serious head injury" while playing

a game of 'run it straight' with friends in the city of Palmerston North. The game - which has recently gone viral online - sees two players, one with a ball and the other the

tackler, charge at each other at full speed with no protective gear, in order to try and knock each other down. While it has been played casually in Australia and New Zealand for years,

not only extend its condolences to Mr Satterthwaite, but urge others not to take part in the viral challenge. “New Zealand Rugby extends heartfelt condolences to Ryan Satterthwaite’s whānau

and community,” a statement from the governing body read. “We urge people not to take part in Run It Straight games or competitions as they carry significant risk of serious injury. “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.” All Blacks star Ardie

Savea has admitted that he used to play the game with his brother growing up, but has urged those considering taking part in the challenge to "be safe". “(My message) first and

foremost is condolences to the young brother that passed away and his family. It’s never nice hearing that, obviously,” he told reporters. “I just obviously don’t want anyone getting hurt

and losing lives. I’m just encouraging everyone to be safe and condolences to our brother and his family.” “It’s a tough one. 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," Savea added. “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 (his brother Julian) – so you kind of see both sides." Mr Satterthwaite's uncle, Peter Satterthwaite, told the Herald that his rugby player

nephew was a "top kid" who “would do anything for anybody" as he paid tribute to him. “Pleasant and polite, one of those kids that would open the door for you, say please and

thank you - and it’s hard to come by on some of the teenagers these days,” he said. “[He and his friends] knew about the game, thought it’d be good fun to play. It was just a freak accident

and he hit his head. “They got concerned for he was conscious at the start, and he was talking to his friends, and then he just, as such, started going downhill," he added. Article

continues below In a statement made earlier this week, Manawatu Area Commander Inspector and police spokesperson Ross Grantham said: “This young man’s death is an absolute tragedy and my

thoughts are with his family and friends. “The tackle game … was based on a social media-driven trend, where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear.

"While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity."