Teenager dies after participating in dangerous rugby 'run-it-straight challenge'

A TEENAGER has tragically died in New Zealand after participating in a viral social media rugby challenge that encourages head-on collisions, known as the "run-it-straight challenge".

The 19-year-old victim suffered a serious head injury while engaging in the challenge with friends on New Zealand's North Island over the weekend. According to the New Zealand Police, the young man was injured when tackled and needed to be rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

Inspector Ross Grantham from the New Zealand Police warned potential participants to reconsider their involvement in these dangerous games.

"The man suffered a serious head injury when tackled and was taken to the hospital by friends," Grantham said.

"Tragically, he passed away in the 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."

The "run-it-straight challenge", which has gained traction in both New Zealand and Australia, consists of participants charging at each other in an unprotected manner, drawing large crowds to these events.

Significantly, organised competitions have started to offer substantial prize money, with interests even piquing among former professional rugby players.

The trend hasn’t quite taken off in South Africa, with only a few videos floating around of clubs using it as a training method and children playing around at school. It’s a lot less brutal than what is happening Down Under.

Health experts have raised serious alarms about the “challenge”, comparing the challenge to combat sports due to the risks of severe concussions and other injuries that participants may face.

With a culture of thrill-seeking and social media validation, events echoing the sentiments of the challenge have become increasingly popular and, disturbingly, increasingly dangerous.

Additional reporting by AFP