Savea and NZR warn of “Run It Straight” dangers after tragic death

All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby star Ardie Savea, along with the organization, have issued warnings about the growing popularity of the “run-it-straight” game, following the death of a teenager. Savea, however, admitted to having participated in something similar during his youth. On Thursday, NZR issued a statement following the death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite. The governing body warned about the dangers of participating in this game, which has gained notoriety thanks to leagues like RUNIT and Run it Straight.

We urge people not to participate in Run It Straight games or competitions, as they carry a significant risk of serious injury.

NZR Statement

Those who wish to practice contact sports should enroll in a school or club team and learn in a controlled and safe environment how to tackle safely and the art of evasion.

NZR Statement

The game, as its name suggests, pits two competitors against each other. One runs with the ball and the other defends, on a 20-meter field. The objective is to make a forceful tackle or, for the ball carrier, to avoid being tackled. In recent months, competitions have been held in Australia and New Zealand, which has generated criticism due to the risk of concussions or brain-related injuries. The tragic death of Satterthwaite, who was participating in a game at a birthday party, has further focused attention on this issue. During Moana Pasifika’s training on Thursday, Savea was asked about the “run it straight”. Savea, who has been awarded Super Rugby Player of the Year after an outstanding individual season that could lead his franchise to its first final, responded:

My message is, first of all, my condolences to the young man who passed away and his family. It’s never nice to hear that, obviously. I just don’t want anyone to get hurt and lose their life. I’m just encouraging everyone to be safe and sending my condolences to our brother and his family.

Ardie Savea

Although Savea urged those considering participating in games like RUNIT to do so as safely as possible, he also acknowledged that he and his older brother, Julian, had participated in similar games when they were children.

It’s difficult. I don’t know the precautions they take regarding the head and you can see the other side and understand why they do it and what. It’s difficult because it has made me the rugby player I am: I used to run it straights in the backyard with Bus (his brother Julian Savea), so you see both sides. It’s very difficult to say, but I would encourage people to be safe. Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga also offered his condolences to Satterthwaite’s family and joined Savea in acknowledging the circumstances that could lead someone to participate in these types of games.

I see that it’s predominantly our people, Maori and Pacific Islanders, who are just trying to get ahead in life. My situation is different from theirs, so it’s hard to judge why they do it. I can see why they do it, because it could give them a stepping stone to achieve a better life for themselves and their families. I can see why they do it, but it’s about making sure they stay safe.

Tana Umaga