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RFL Club Coordinator Program

Strengthening Rugby Clubs. Empowering Communities.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Empowering Our Clubs

At Rugby For Life, we believe rugby clubs are the backbone of strong, healthy communities. That’s why we created the Club Coordinator Program – placing a paid volunteer into local clubs for the equivalent of two full days each week, focused on supporting your people, strengthening connections, and delivering positive outcomes on and off the field.

These Coordinators aren’t employees. They’re community champions – embedded in your club, backed by RFL, and connected to a wider support network that includes iwi, schools, local businesses, and over 100 partner organisations.


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How It Works

Club Coordinator

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A passionate Coordinator driving outcomes for your club.

LEADERSHIP

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From RFL’s regional team and access to helpful tools.

SUPPORT

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Build strong relationships between your club, community and wider networks.

CONNECTION

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Bring focus to the work your club does and raise its profile in the region.

VISIBILITY

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Play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive and thriving space for everyone.

COMMUNITY

CASE STUDY

Standing Strong Through the Storm

When Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Rugby for Life Coordinators played a vital role in keeping communities safe, connected and supported. Acting fast and drawing on deep local networks, they helped clubs turn into emergency shelters, health hubs and places of refuge when it mattered most. 

Thanks to Milford Foundation funding & RFL coordinators working together, over $40,000 was distributed to affected clubs across Northland, helping repair damage, restore services and provide relief for whānau. From flood response to food security, these stories show how vital a Rugby for Life coordinator is when their communities need them most. 


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Everyday Heroes, Big Impact

Your Club’s Hidden Leader

Often already part of your club, RFL Coordinators are the ones who go the extra mile - connecting people, organising events, and bringing others along. With support, training, and access to the Rugby for Life network, they become powerful change-makers for your club and community.
Does your club have someone who:

  • Gets things done and solves problems before they escalate?
  • Builds relationships with whānau, schools, iwi, and local businesses?
  • Brings energy, care, and the values of rugby to everything they do?
  • Lives and breathes the values of rugby – inclusion, teamwork, manaakitanga?

If you nodded yes, you've already got your Coordinator. RFL provides the structure, funding, tools, and support to help them and your club thrive.

OUR IMPACT

Making A Difference

Often already part of the whānau, Club Coordinators are the ones who go the extra mile, bring people together, and live rugby’s values every day. With the right support and backing, these everyday heroes become powerful change-makers for their clubs and communities.

  • 12

    CLUB COORDINATORS ENGAGED

  • 5,000+

    MARIKI & RANGATAHI ENGAGED

  • 20

    LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH RFL CLUBS

  • $1m+

    FUNDING SECURED TO SUPPORT COORDINATORS

Ready to Start Your Journey?

CONTACT US
Whether you’re a rugby club, whānau, or supporter, there are many ways to support the Club Coordinator Programme. Together, we can strengthen clubs, empower communities and help young people thrive. 

GET INVOLVED

Make A Difference

Whether you’re an employer, a rugby club, or a supporter - there are multiple ways to support Rugby For Life. We are always looking for support with fundraising, volunteering at events, corporate partnerships, employment opportunities, training, apprenticeships, internships and mentoring. Please have a look here for more information. 


GET INVOLVED