There are increasing calls to ban the game following the tragic death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite in Palmerston North due to a catastrophic head injury sustained while playing a version of the game.
Despite the emergence of several copycat leagues, the RunIt Championship League remains the most prominent and popular among them.
Notably, current Warriors halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita has been featured in promotions for RunIt, listed as a ‘special guest’ for the initial trials in Auckland.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Warriors clarified that the club had no affiliation with the organization.
Coach Andrew Webster expressed his lack of familiarity with the new collision craze, stating, “I’m not well-versed in social media, so I don’t have much information about it.”
When asked about potential implications for the NRL, Webster refrained from making uninformed remarks, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all contact sports are conducted in a safe environment while focusing on their own game.
Former Warrior and current club mentor Manu Vatuvei shared his perspective at the second night of trials, acknowledging the polarizing opinions surrounding RunIt but expressing his personal support for it.
Notable athletes such as current UFC light heavyweights Carlos Ulberg and Navajo Stirling have also previously endorsed RunIt.
‘Too much risk involved’ – Former All Black
Former All Black Saveatama Eroni Clarke, who serves as the Pasifika engagement manager for NZ Rugby, addressed Satterthwaite’s tragic passing on RNZ’s Checkpoint programme, emphasizing the need for regulations focused on health and safety.
Clarke cautioned young individuals against participating in the high-risk activity, stating, “There’s too much risk involved, as evidenced by the extreme and detrimental outcomes such as head trauma.”
He highlighted the importance of choosing a contact sport with proper coaching and safety measures in place, advocating for rugby as a safer alternative for young athletes.
Clarke urged high-profile players to refrain from endorsing activities like RunIt, emphasizing the responsibility to not support such ventures.
