In towns across Aotearoa, every rugby game is more than just sport – it’s a moment that unites families, strengthens identity and builds healthier futures. At Rugby For Life, we know that rugby is more than a game. It’s a tool for transformation, connection and community resilience.
From sparking smiles on the faces of tamariki to offering purpose and camaraderie for kaumatua, rugby communities across the country offer far-reaching benefits to people of all ages. Let’s explore why investing in your local rugby club is one of the most powerful ways to support community wellbeing, health and connection in Aotearoa.
Rugby Builds More Than Strength – It Builds Belonging
Rugby is stitched into the culture of Aotearoa. From coastal towns to rural regions and city suburbs, the local rugby club is a place to gather, grow and give back. It’s where lifelong friendships are formed, character is shaped and generations come together to share a common passion.
According to Sport New Zealand, over 3.5 million Kiwis take part in sport or active recreation each week, and rugby consistently ranks as one of the top team sports for participation across both youth and adult groups. This means rugby is not only a core part of our culture but a major contributor to public health and social connection.
Health and Social Benefits for All Ages
Physical Health
Playing rugby promotes cardiovascular fitness, muscle development, balance and flexibility. Whether you’re a young winger or part of a walking rugby team later in life, the physical benefits are long-lasting – and fun to achieve alongside others. Rugby participation contributes to overall physical well-being, encouraging active lifestyles in even the most remote of towns.
According to the Sport New Zealand Active NZ Survey 2021, only 56% of Kiwi adults meet recommended activity levels. Team sports like rugby offer structure, motivation and accountability to keep moving – especially in regions where access to fitness facilities is limited.
Case Study – Northland Rugby Union
The Northland Rugby Union in Te Tai Tokerau, runs community-based fitness and skills programmes that support whānau in rural areas to get active together. Designed for all ages, these sessions remove barriers to physical activity and help connect isolated communities with local support systems. Read more: Northland Rugby News
Mental Wellbeing
Belonging to a rugby club provides structure, purpose and connection. The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand emphasises that regular physical activity and strong social connections are two of the five ways to wellbeing – and rugby delivers both in spades.
According to the Youth2000 Survey Series, feelings of loneliness and disconnection are rising, particularly among rangatahi. Local rugby clubs provide safe, consistent spaces where young people and adults alike can form friendships, lean on support, and build confidence through shared purpose.
Case Study – Te Hiku o Te Ika Rugby Clubs (Far North)
Across the Far North, clubs like Awanui RFC and Moerewa RFC serve as community safe havens where mental health challenges can be addressed through connection, mentorship, and positive role modelling. Coaches are often trained in mental health first aid to support tamariki and rangatahi both on and off the field. Learn more at: Te Hiku Media
Positive Pathways for Young People
Rugby helps rangatahi build critical life skills – from leadership to teamwork and discipline. It opens doors to education, employment, and representation that might not otherwise exist.
Youth sport participation in Aotearoa peaks between ages 12–14 but crucially drops during teenage years. Community rugby acts as a strong framework to keep young players engaged in positive experiences well into adulthood, while also providing identity and growth opportunities.
Case Study – NPEC (Ngāti Porou East Coast Rugby)
The iconic East Coast rugby region runs school-linked mentorship and youth development programmes that blend rugby training with life coaching, cultural learning and leadership development. Players are supported through school transitions and helped to stay focused on achievement – both on and off the field. Read about their mahi: Ngāti Porou East Coast
A Community for Everyone
Our clubs are inclusive spaces. From adaptive rugby for players with disabilities to culturally-led events and social formats like Touch, Turbo Touch, and Golden Oldies – rugby in Aotearoa is for everyone regardless of age, gender, experience or ability.
In 2023, over 31,000 women and girls played rugby in New Zealand – more than double the figure five years earlier. Alternative forms like QuickRip (non-contact rugby) and Rippa Rugby provide fun and accessible experiences for primary-age children and newcomers to the game.
Case Study – Petone Rugby’s Inclusive Initiatives
Petone RFC, based in Lower Hutt, has launched inclusive programmes catering to multicultural communities, wāhine, and former refugees. Their league welcomes new Kiwis and uses sport as a way to break down language barriers and foster social belonging. They also support adaptive rugby, showing we can call ourselves a rugby nation only when we open the game to everyone. Learn more: Petone Rugby Club
Find Your Place on the Team
Whether you're a player, parent, volunteer or supporter, there's a place for you in your local rugby club. You don’t have to be on the field to make an impact. Time, energy or even just being there can create a meaningful difference to others.
To learn more about how to get involved, check out New Zealand Rugby’s community resources at www.nzrugby.co.nz or explore programmes focused on inclusion, health and youth development at www.rugbyforlife.org.nz.
Final Thoughts – Together, We Play for Something Bigger
At Rugby For Life, we believe rugby is a platform for real change. By nurturing rugby communities across Aotearoa, we’re uplifting individuals, supporting youth and strengthening the very fabric of our towns. When we come together on the field, we create something powerful off it – belonging, resilience and hope.
The next time you pass a local rugby pitch, remember – it’s not just a game. It’s a community, a connector, and a call to action. Join us and be part of a movement that’s changing lives through rugby, one town at a time.