They rush straight at each other without protective gear in organized competitions with prize money. Encouraged in social media and with large crowds as spectators, the competitive form has become increasingly popular.
But it is literally life-threatening. On Monday, a 19-year-old died from the injuries he sustained during a competition over the weekend.
The man suffered a serious head injury when he was tackled and was taken to hospital by friends. Tragically, he passed away at the hospital on Monday evening, says police officer Ross Grantham.
Grantham warns of the great risks that participants expose themselves to.
We would urge everyone who is considering participating in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks.
The competitive form, which can most be likened to a combat sport without protection, has received further boost from well-known former rugby players such as Nemani Nadolo from Fiji participating. A competition in Auckland, New Zealand, was recently interrupted after a participant collapsed in severe convulsions.
Experts on brain injuries have denounced the competitive form and the images posted on social media.
There are some truly horrific and really painful videos, says Stacey Mowbray, CEO of a charity organization, to New Zealand TV.
