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Employment, Training & Education Programme (E,T&E)

Helping rangatahi and community members build skills, confidence and careers through rugby.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Pathways for Life

Rugby for Life’s E,T&E Programme tackles the barriers young people face by linking rugby clubs & community coordinators with education, training and connections to local employers.

Through tailored support and guidance, participants gain the confidence and opportunities they need to step into meaningful careers. From that first kōrero to the first job and well beyond we walk alongside them.

This is not about quick fixes. It is about sustainable outcomes, stronger communities and real-life future-focused transformation.


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How It Works

Rugby to Career

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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

Partnering for Real Outcomes

Northland Waste has partnered with RFL to create genuine employment opportunities for participants. Through practical placements, mentoring and skills training, rangatahi are stepping confidently into meaningful careers.

Real Pathways, Real People.

Rugby for Life is focused on providing pathways in education, training and employment and Sam is just one example of how this works. As an 18 year old electrician's apprentice, Sam had a bicep injury playing rugby that would not allow him to continue this work. Lost and laying around home one day, Sam had a life changing experience when asked by Rugby for Life if he wanted to play rugby in Sri Lanka once the injury had healed. Through connections facilitated by Rugby for Life, his team the Sri Lions covered his return airfares, accommodation, food and pocket money, while RFL funded his travel insurance, and he played there from Nov '25 to Jan '26 when once again, an injury stopped him in his tracks (although he continued to play for 40 minutes), this time, his shoulder which required major surgery. Once home in Whangarei, Sam asked Rugby for Life for help and he is now an intern with the Northland Rugby's Taniwha Under 20's and studying online with Massey University in high performance sport.

OUR IMPACT

Making A Difference

Since its launch, the E,T&E Programme has already supported participants into education, training and employment. Each pathway is designed for sustainable outcomes that change lives.

  • 73

    PARTICIPANTS SUPPORTED

  • 48

    EMPLOYED

  • 14

    LIFE-CHANGING OUTCOMES

  • 93

    TARGET FOR 2027

Ready to Start Your Journey?

GET INVOLVED
If your club is already a Rugby For Life Club, talk to your Club Coordinator to get connected with the Employment, Training & Education (E,T&E) programme. If your club isn’t yet part of Rugby For Life, speak with your leadership team about becoming an RFL Club to access the programme.

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Make A Difference

Whether you’re an employer, a rugby club, or a supporter - there are multiple ways to support the E,T&E Programme and help rangatahi into work, training, or education.


GET INVOLVED