To always stand alongside New Zealand's seriously injured rugby players

The NZ Rugby Foundation stands alongside players whose lives are changed by serious injury. Those whose injuries are 'total and permanent' are our VIP - our very-injured-players, our very-inportant people. We're with them for life.

Everything we do is anchored in three pillars:

Support. Champion. Collaborate.

Together, these pillars strengthen and protect the 155,000 registered rugby players across Aotearoa. From the first whistle to the unthinkable, we’re here for our rugby community every step of the way.

$5.9m+

GRANTS PAID OUT SINCE 2009

119

VIPS (very injured players) HELPED

65

SERIOUS INJURIES IN 2025 

41

VIP FAMILIES HOSTED AT EVENTS

SUPPORTING OUR SERIOUSLY INJURED PLAYERS​​​​​​​

Since 1986, the NZ Rugby Foundation has stood alongside players whose lives have been changed by serious injury — and today, we continue to do so much more. With circa 150,000 registered rugby players taking the field safely each year, our role is to ensure that when the unimaginable happens, the Foundation is there for the player and their whānau from the very beginning.


We have a strong and proven history of partnering with and connecting New Zealand’s seriously injured rugby players, combining deep expertise with the lived experiences of our community.

If you believe in protecting our players, promoting safety in our national game, and driving research that keeps rugby strong for future generations, we’d love you on our team. Together, we can help every player feel supported — today and for life.

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OUR PURPOSE: Thriving futures for rugby's seriously injured players and their whānau.

SUPPORT
In providing empathetic support, opportunity and assistance for injured rugby players and their whānau.

JOIN WITH US
In promoting safe play, including support for leading edge research into concussion and injury prevention.​​​​​​​​​​​

SUPPORT US
As we continue to push relentlessly for the rights of our injured players and the wider disability sector.​​​​​​​

OUR V.I.Ps
NZ RUGBY FOUNDATION 'VERY INJURED PLAYERS'

Since our establishment in 1986 we have partnered with more than 119 seriously injured players (as at Dec 2-25. Their stories fuel our passion to understand their needs and strive for their continued well-being. 

STAY CONNECTED
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Stay connected with the NZ Rugby Foundation on our social media where we share inspiring stories and resources that support our mission of aiding seriously injured rugby players.

Once a team mate, always a team mate - Follow us today and join our growing community of rugby enthusiasts and advocates.