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New Zealand Rugby and Players Association announce two-year agreement
By Henry Lee
New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Players Association have come to a collective agreement for the next two years on the professional aspect of the sport in the country.
According to NZR’s release, the partnership agreement strengthens the commitment from the organisation to the players, showcasing the investment into the long-term well-being and personal development of people, and player retention in New Zealand.
The NZR Board, Super Rugby Clubs, Provincials Unions, and the RPA were all involved in the negotiations of the agreement, coming to a decision that the collective agreement will into effect on January 1, 2026, and will go through to the end of 2028.
The two organisations have agreed to continue splitting the 36.56 per cent of NZR Player Generated Revenue to the players in New Zealand.
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Current interim NZR CEO Steve Lancaster explained that this deal is what’s best for the players, stakeholders, and the Players Association.
“Our professional players are a huge factor in the success of our business and our game at every level. It’s critical that we are aligned with the RPA and act together in the best interests of our game and its stakeholders, and this new partnership reflects that commitment,” Lancaster said in a NZR media release.
“We are incredibly proud of the environments and support we offer to our players through our Provincial Unions, Super Rugby Clubs and national teams.
“This agreement strengthens our ability to retain and develop players through our pathways, but also to safeguard their welfare and set them up for success when their playing days come to a conclusion.
“It’s particularly pleasing to increase the investment in the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and Super Rugby Aupiki, and to commit to a greater connection between our professional players and the wider rugby community.”
Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol believes that the agreement will deliver “significant investment” into the players’ education and support of the players in New Zealand.
“This Partnership is a powerful and progressive agreement that reflects a commitment between the players and those who govern and administer the game to work together to deliver on the strategy for the rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand. We want to see it support the long-term health and successful performance of the sport,” Nichol said.
“The Partnership delivers significant investment in the personal development and education, retention and long-term support of our professional players. It will position us well in a constantly evolving and competitive landscape.
“We acknowledge all those who play, coach, officiate and support rugby at all levels and the leadership of New Zealand Rugby, the Super Rugby clubs, Provincial Unions and other key stakeholders in our game.
“For us to balance the realities of a global professional sport with the needs of our community game is our ongoing challenge, and opportunity. This Partnership demonstrates a collective willingness to meet that challenge together, and in the best interests of rugby in New Zealand.”
Highlights of the new Partnership Agreement (NZR release)
- “Increased annual investment for player retention, personal development, education, financial planning and player health and safety.
- “The continuation of fundamental workstreams where NZR, the RPA, Provincial Unions and Super Rugby Clubs will continue to work together to agree the Strategy for Rugby in NZ; review and agree the terms related to the ongoing investment of New Zealand Rugby Commercial (NZRC); and agree the regional high performance delivery models that underpin professional player pathways and rugby competitions in NZ.
- “The allocation of the Player Payment Pool to ensure all professional players receive either additional player payments and/or benefits.
- “New selection fees for the All Blacks, Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens for players assembled to play test matches and tournaments.
- “Additional payments based on length of service for Sevens, in Super Rugby Pacific and for NPC players.
- “A new Super Rugby Aupiki contracting model with Aupiki hub-based players being paid $25,000 campaign only players being paid $20,000.
- “Expansion of the medical, life and trauma insurance cover to include Aupiki Hub and Campaign contracted Players.
- “A new scholarship fund for players to be co-designed by NZR and the parties will provide up to $500,000 of scholarship payments in 2026 and $1m per year in 2027 and 2028,” NZR announced in their agreement release.
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