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 who's 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

OUR COMMITMENT

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

Founded in 1986, the Foundation has always stood for one simple truth: every player deserves to step onto the field knowing their wellbeing comes first.

We champion the message of safety across all levels of the game while providing lifelong, wraparound support — financial, emotional, and practical — to rugby players who have experienced a life-changing injury. When the unthinkable happens, we make sure no one faces that journey alone.

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.