About Rugby For Life

As an employer, I see kids coming through with a lack of confidence. Sport enhances abilities and makes people resilient. Rugby is the sport we love and RFL is gaining momentum to do things better, collectively. It is an important ecosystem that provides opportunities in education, wellness, and employment. If I can use my talents to support these communities, I want to be a part of it.

Rugby for Life was founded on an idea to do good in the community and help Northland families thrive by using the local rugby clubs as hubs for sport and provide opportunities around wellness, employment, and training. Riki played rugby for Otago and co-owns the Duke of Marlborough in Russell. His whakapapa goes back to Nga Puhi.

RFL provides a bridge between the rugby community and essential services in education, health, and employment to provide solutions. RFL connects sponsors to support the clubs that benefit the game as well as the community. The game is important but people are more important. I am passionate about rugby and see real value in the service delivery of RFL. Iwi – Ngati Porou

Sharon was the first female President of Northland Rugby Union – the first for any provincial union in NZ and served as Deputy Mayor of Whangarei. Sharon’s incredible energy, integrity, dignity, and humour has benefited the Northland community. Sharon brings her passion for sport and the arts to help guide the leading principles of RFL around wellness, education, and employment.

In Martin’s own words “I live and breathe rugby!” Martin Cleave has been a Rugby For Life Trustee from the start. He has a diverse professional background having worked in many sectors including; Film and television, senior management, acompany director, Board directorships, company owner and CEO.
Martin (Te Rarawa, Ngatiwai,Tainui) has been deeply involved with Marae, Hapu, Iwi and Māori business owners working collaboratively to provide positive outcomes for those communities. He has mentored rangatahi, youth to build their personal capacity, encouraging and training them to take on higher education and more senior roles.
Martin shares this same passion and drive with Rugby for Life and their clubs. Providing personal insight and experience to help clubs increase growth, stability, and longevity. Martin’s ongoing commitment and celebration of diversity are true assets for Rugby For Life.

Ashleigh joins the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience under her belt. Ashleigh was previously the Commercial Partnerships Manager for Moana Pasifika. A comprehensive role that works to identify, research, and make recommendations on new business partnerships and opportunities that focus on aligning values and initiatives to Māori and Pasifika communities. She also has experience working as the Cook Islands Rugby Union President, Womens & Junior Development Lead, Treasurer, National Mens Sevens Manager and National Mens 15’s Manager. During her time Ashleigh was part of the planning and implementation of programs for community initiatives amongst many other key areas that helped to engage local communities to support sustainable growth across all areas of the game.

Ashleigh says, “I was excited to be a part of Rugby For Life because I believe that first and foremost sport can be used as a platform to engage with, empower, develop and connect communities.” She is a passionate, collaborative, and skilled professional with proven experience working in sport with community engagement at the forefront and Rugby For Life is very excited to have her on board!

Tuck Waaka is a well-known New Zealand rugby personality with a long history with our country’s most loved game. Born in Masterton, at a young age Tuck relocated to the Hokianga with his whanau. In Tuck’s own words; “I grew up in a rugby mad family!” His brothers played for Hokianga and Northland and his sister Cheryl represented NZ as a Black Fern.
Over the years Tuck was 1st XV captain for Northland College, a rep for Otago University under 19s, Otago, and was the winning captain for Bay of Plenty the inaugural year of the ITM cup (NPC). Tuck was also captain for the NZ Māori team and won the Ranfurly Shield while playing with Northland.
With a deep understanding of how rugby can benefit communities; becoming a part of Rugby for Life seemed a natural progression for Tuck. He feels that; “Rugby clubs can provide opportunities for tamariki to engage in physical activity, learn valuable life skills and develop a sense of belonging. The clubs are also a great place to promote health and wellbeing programmes and community engagement.” We are very fortunate to have Tuck’s firsthand experience, knowledge and wisdom integrated into the pillars of Rugby for Life.

Nigel, originally from the Hawkes Bay, played age-group representative in both rugby and cricket. He went to Otago University in the early 1990’s playing senior grade rugby. After graduating he left to develop a career in finance in London. A passionate kiwi, he loves all sport and what it can do for communities. Nigel is currently developing the Rugby For Life relationships in Europe. He is working with kiwis to reconnect and give back to grassroots rugby and its community in Northland. Nigel’s father Graeme played hooker in the 1966 season for Mid-Western club in Maungakaramea whilst on a work placement which contributes to his passion to help communities in the far North.

RFL has been the only programme to deliver real value with outcomes, personnel, and monetary contributions towards helping our clubs be sustainable. The need is huge yet our volunteers are struggling. People want to be part of something special that does good and RFL is demonstrating that positive outcomes for the community comes from collective support.

Strength is the people; strength is the tribe. When we give them opportunities, the strength goes to the clubs and communities. RFL has helped to provide many significant outcomes for clubs and especially the community around Take 2 for the Team. Empowering Club Coordinators to do what’s right for the whānau and community will ensure club sustainability. Iwi – Nga Puhi

Volunteers are crucial to our communities and RFL are helping to provide a vital link with the clubs as hubs model between rugby and whānau to help them thrive. From helping kids gain their drivers license that leads to employment to supporting more Club Coordinators, RFL saw the need and took action to help solve real problems. Iwi – Te Aroha and

Clark has been part of the rugby fabric in Te Tai Tokerau for too many years to count and a proud Rugby For Life supporter.
 
As the Operations Manager for Rugby For Life Clark is there to support, manage and evolve our coordinator structure and take our program and community impacts to the next level.

For Clark, "Rugby is definitely more than just a game and can be a vehicle to many positive outcomes within our communities, which is why I believe in this Kaupapa. I have been a player, captain, coach, sponsor, committee member and a treasurer of a club as well as working for the Union so trust me when I say first-hand that I know how hard volunteers work within clubs and Rugby For Life is a gamechanger!”

I saw the fantastic impact rugby had on my boy and knew RFL was all about community and kids and that I had to be involved. We had a recent life-changing experience when we took the kids to a rugby match and they met the Taniwha as many had never been to a game before. We are creating opportunities and pathways. Iwi – Ngapuhi

Southern Rugby Football Club

We work together for the good of the community. The culture at the club is good and we are supporting volunteers to make the club more efficient. We are keeping the doors open off-season with Friday night dinners where everyone is welcome to host community links and summer events. We dedicate our time to the growth of the players that leads to whānau benefits.

Whangaruru Rugby Football Club

After recently relocating to Whangaruru with her whānau, Keri Wynyard has been embracing the opportunity to connect with her Ngātiwai whakapapa. With a strong background in community-focused roles, Keri is bringing her enthusiasm to Rugby For Life (RFL).

Now working alongside the Whangaruru Rugby Club, Keri is committed to supporting its dedicated volunteers and helping rugby serve as a positive force for change in her community. Keri’s focus is on creating opportunities that bring people together, inspire action, and strengthen whānau connections through the game her whānau loves.

Onerahi Rugby Football Club

RFL has helped us understand what we need to do and offers perspective and networks that connect us to the right people. We started with a couple of kids teams and this year we had 7 teams with 86 kids. We will always have a need in our isolated community. Having rugby available and accessible with the focus on children first and foremost is essential. Iwi – Te Uri O Hau

RFL is helping us breathe life into our club that brings people in our community together. We have amazing volunteers and need funding to enhance the culture of our community. We see RFL helping us to provide healthier living and the club as a positive space for our people to be free. Iwi – Ngati Kahi Ki – Whangaroa and Ngapuhi Ki - Whangaroa

Bryar Crewther-Abraham from Aupori RFSC is the coordinator for Rugby For Life’s northernmost club.

Bryar was born in Kaitaia and moved to West Auckland at a young age, completing her school there. During her time in West Auckland Bryar was very fortunate to have access to a variety of sports and given many opportunities to compete in school, club and representative tournaments.

In 2016 she returned home and says she has never looked back! Upon her return though while volunteering in local sports clubs, she quickly realised just how isolated rural communities were and how they were not afforded the same opportunities as those living in larger areas. She also quickly noticed that Aupori’s clubrooms are in serious need of maintenance and upgrades to be able to effectively cater for and support her community.

Looking for ways to help improve things Bryar was keen to become a part of Rugby For Life and receive some much-needed support. “I was really excited when the opportunity arose to become an RFL coordinator knowing I would be able to increase support for our club and community.”

Paddy Jackson is the Rugby For Life Coordinator with Ruawai JMB Rugby Football Club. Growing up in the Rodney district Paddy has always been involved in sport.

Paddy has a strong ethos around the long-term maintenance of players' physical and mental well-being. Looking after yourself properly will allow you to keep playing for longer. “Just seeing any player, of any level learning new skills, and techniques and following a pathway to improving; it’s a privilege to be a part of that journey. Watching those positive changes first-hand is the stuff that keeps you engaged and invested.” Through his role as a Rugby For Life coordinator, he’s keen to keep tamariki and the whanau engaged in sport for longer to ensure the sustainability of sport in Ruawai.

Otamatea Hawks Rugby Club, Maungaturoto Rugby Football Club, Eastern Kaiwaka Rugby Club

Chantelle Peeni has been part of the Kaipara rugby whānau for over 23 years. She’s backed her two boys through their rugby journeys, supported her husband as he moved from playing to coaching, and helped out wherever the club’s needed her—on and off the field.

For Chantelle, rugby is all about connection. It teaches life skills, builds friendships, and brings communities together. That’s why she’s proud to support Rugby For Life and its mahi to back local clubs, create opportunities, and keep the heart of rugby strong.

Hokianga Sub Union
Hapū: Ngāti Manawa, Te MāhurehureIwi: Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi
Born and raised in the heart of the Hokianga, Rohario Te Wake grew up immersed in the culture of rugby in the close-knit community of Panguru. For Rohario, rugby has always been more than a game—it’s a way of life that brings people together, strengthens communities, and creates lasting opportunities.

With a deep connection to her hometown and the game, Rohario brings unwavering passion to her role as Rugby For Life (RFL) Coordinator. She sees RFL as a vital platform to support the revival of rugby in the Hokianga and to open up limitless pathways for players, supporters, and the community as a whole. Her drive and dedication reflect her commitment to empowering people and using rugby as a tool to create meaningful change.

Southern United Rugby Football Club

Iwi: Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungungu
Meet Doug Kotuhi, one of the newest members of Rugby For Life (RFL), proudly hailing from the Mighty Waikato. As soon as Doug learned about RFL, he knew he wanted to be a part of its mission. Doug’s passion lies in helping create positive changes in communities, and he is excited to bring his energy and commitment to the RFL kaupapa. Through his involvement, Doug is focused on making a meaningful impact and supporting RFL in building stronger, more connected communities.

Hikurangi Rugby Club

Iwi: Ngāti Whātua
Katie Woodhouse has been proudly involved with the Hikurangi Rugby Club for the past seven years. Originally joining as a spectator, she quickly fell in love with the warm, inclusive club culture and the incredible people who make it such a special hub for the community.

Katie recognised early on how vital the club is—not just for rugby, but for creating opportunities and a sense of belonging for local rangatahi. Now, she’s thrilled to be part of Rugby For Life (RFL), dedicated to supporting the kaupapa of growing strong communities, fostering leadership, and making rugby a positive force for everyone involved.