Rugby Southland has today announced the launch of the Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund in partnership with the Southland Foundation, marking a significant step toward ensuring the long-term future of rugby across all grassroots levels of the game in the province.

The fund has been established with an initial investment of $100,000 from Rugby Southland and is designed to grow over time, creating a sustainable source of funding to support rugby at every entry point of the community game. Bequests and public donations to the fund are now open.

Rooted in a proud history dating back to 1887, when Southland broke away from Otago to forge its own rugby identity, the game has long been a cornerstone of community life in the south. From rural paddocks to packed clubrooms, rugby in Southland represents more than just a sport - it is Connection, Belonging, and Shared Identity.

Rugby Southland Chief Executive Officer, Hua Tamariki said the union worked hard across 2025 to enable this type of partnership and investment.

“Through disciplined financial stewardship and strong alignment between our Board and Operations, Rugby Southland is fortunate to be in a position to partner with the Southland Foundation and invest in the future of our game.

We recognise that community participation at the grassroots level relies on the commitment of a wide cross-section of our region. The establishment of the Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund reflects our belief that sustained investment in the community game will continue to empower passionate players and volunteers, ensuring access to resources and opportunities for generations to come.

As the fund grows, so will our ability to support community projects and initiatives that strengthen rugby across Southland,” 

The Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund will aid in providing ongoing support across all grassroots levels of the game — from junior and youth rugby through to senior club competitions, as well as referee development, coaching programmes, and community initiatives. As an endowment fund, donations are invested, the original capital is preserved, and the fund continues to grow over time. Income generated is then returned to the local game, helping to strengthen pathways and create opportunities for players, volunteers, and officials at every stage.

Rugby Southland Chairman Murray Brown said the initiative reflects the organisation’s long-term strategic focus.

“The board over the last three years, as one of its key strategic pillars, was to focus on the financial sustainability of the organisation. The support of the wider rugby community has been significant in Rugby Southland progressively improving its financial position. By adopting a business lens, we are continuing to look at ways to diversify to balance our risk.

Partnering with the Southland Foundation was one key opportunity as a medium to longer-term investment initiative to future-proof our game across all sectors at the community level, so we can continue to deliver and meet our purpose and vision of ‘inspiring our community’.”

“We’re delighted that Rugby Southland has chosen to establish this community group fund,” said Southland Foundation General Manager Robyn Koehler. “An endowment fund is a powerful way to honour the enduring legacy of rugby in the South, while offering a simple and meaningful way for people to give back to a game they love, knowing their contribution will continue to support their sporting community for generations to come.”

As the fund grows, it will provide a reliable and enduring source of income, helping Rugby Southland to continue delivering vital programmes in the community, and supporting the next generation of proud Southlanders to enjoy everything that the game of rugby at the grassroots provides - Connection - Belonging - Shared Identity.

For more information on how to contribute to the Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund, please visit https://www.southlandfoundation.org.nz/funds/rugby-southland-grassroots-fund or contact Rugby Southland or Southland Foundation directly.

Article added: Wednesday 22nd April 2026