Steve Devine in action during the captain's run for the All Blacks 'possibles' team held at McLean Park, Napier, on 2 June 2005. Photo: Photosport / John Cowpland
A former All Black says New Zealanders don't understand the risks of head injuries and concussions well enough and the controversial collision game should be stopped.
Nineteen-year-old Palmerston North teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died after suffering a catastrophic head injury while he and his friends played the tackle game that's trending on social media.
Organised events offering big prize money are also causing concern after being promoted by influencers and content creators.
Satterthwaite's uncle told Morning Report the events were "a stupid idea" and should be cancelled.
Sports and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell has also asked Sport NZ for advice about what could be done at a government level.
Devine knows first hand the devastating effects of concussions and head injuries and says young untrained people are especially vulnerable.
"It's a recipe for disaster having two large forces meet, and with a sudden impact and a sudden stoppage for either person generally doesn't bode very well for the brain, especially if it's around amateur people making serious body contact."
Steve Devine is stretchered from the field in a neck brace, during a Super Rugby semi-final match between the Blues and the Brumbies, on 17 May, 2003. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former Auckland player and All Black speaks from experience.
He had "serious" ill-health for several years caused by repeated knocks to his head.
"It took me a couple of years to get over my last one."
One-off bigger collisions could be even worse for the brain, he believed.
Devine said social media followers obviously wanted to see this kind of entertainment although he did not believe they would want to see anyone seriously injured.
While it might offer them some humour, the other side of it was the serious injury risk it posed for participants.
Most people would not understand the serious nature of brain injuries and concussion.
People were most at risk when their brain met "a really large sudden force", Devine said.
High speed vehicle collisions, falls from horses and contact in rugby and other sports were among the worst examples.
"To actively put yourself in that situation I think is a scary and stupid thing. When two great forces collide, there's going to be an impact and quite often it's the brain.
"It's something that doesn't need to happen but it obviously is something that is happening which is scary."
He believed the events should be banned because they were just a chance for organisers to make some money at teenagers' expense.
RUNIT organisers have not responded to requests for comment.
