A former Brisbane Boys’ College student is suing the elite school for more than $1.5 million, claiming injuries from a playground game of red rover ended his dreams of a sporting and military career.
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Deklyn Reid, now 22, lodged a claim in the Supreme Court in Brisbane alleging he suffered a dislocated hip and torn tissue in 2016 when he was 12. According to the documents, he was reportedly tackled during the game before other students landed on him, leaving him with serious injuries that required surgery and ongoing treatment.
Reid says the incident forced him to spend 10 days in hospital and left lasting physical and emotional scars. He argued that it derailed his education and stopped him from pursuing professional rugby or joining the Australian Defence Force. He is seeking damages covering medical costs, past and future economic losses, and pain and suffering.
His case alleged that the school breached its duty of care by failing to enforce playground rules prohibiting physical contact games, despite a teacher being present at the time.
In Queensland, there is no law specifically outlawing red rover in schools. However, the game has been banned at many schools, including some in Brisbane, because of concerns about injuries and liability.
The game involves running, tackling, and breaking through lines of players, which can easily lead to accidents. New Farm State School, for example, prohibited red rover and similar chasing games in 2011 after a series of playground injuries and disputes.
Brisbane Boys’ College has indicated it will defend the claim. In court filings, the school said the tackle was a spontaneous act that no reasonable supervision could have prevented. It also argued that staff took reasonable precautions, including banning contact sports, instructing students not to engage in such activities, and providing appropriate supervision.
Reid has said he wants accountability and hopes his case will raise awareness about the long-term impacts of schoolyard injuries. He described the experience as a turning point that changed the course of his future.
A legal practice director, speaking to local media regarding the case, noted that while such claims are weighed for reasonableness, the outcome often depends on evidence. He said the stronger the proof showing Reid’s likely career and sporting trajectory, the more compelling the case would be.
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The college has disputed the allegations, describing Reid’s claims as vague and untrue, and will contest them in court.
Published 18-September-2025
