New Zealand Rugby and Touch New Zealand announce ‘exciting’ partnership

New Zealand Rugby have announced a new partnership with Touch New Zealand, recognising the summer sport as the official non-contact format of rugby in the offseason.

The two organisations will now work hand-in-hand to create a better ecosystem all year round, improving events, participation, community engagement and digital growth across the two codes.

Local clubs and Touch modules are set to work together to sharpen the pathway between the two sports, enabling smoother transitions from school rugby, club rugby, Touch rugby modules, and professional pathways.

The partnership, which results in Touch New Zealand becoming an Associate Member of New Zealand Rugby, will help make their shared purpose of growing the game in all facets more effective.

Newly named New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Officer Steve Lancaster said the partnership was a big step for both codes.

“Touch Rugby has always been part of how New Zealanders connect with rugby. It is played in schools, parks, local modules, tournaments and backyards across the country, and for many people it is one of the first ways they experience the speed, skill and enjoyment of the game,” Lancaster said on an NZR statement.

“This partnership formally recognises that connection and creates an exciting opportunity to grow the game together.

“By working alongside Touch New Zealand, we can create more ways for people to play, more ways for communities to connect and more opportunities to keep people involved in rugby throughout the year.

“This is a proud moment for rugby in Aotearoa. It recognises the strength, history and scale of touch, while opening the door to new opportunities across participation, events, content, sponsorship and community engagement.”

Lancaster explained that Touch is a great avenue for players to continue developing their skills throughout the year, and this partnership will help enable more Kiwis to do exactly that.

“People want different ways to play. They want formats that are social, accessible, competitive, non-contact, family-friendly and fun. Touch Rugby delivers all of that and more.

“Rugby is strongest when people can see a place for themselves in the game. This partnership gives more people that opportunity, whether they are playing Touch Rugby over summer, junior rugby at school, club rugby in winter or simply staying connected through their whanau and community.

“We see this as a partnership built on respect, shared ambition and a commitment to creating more ways for more people to play.”

Touch New Zealand CEO Joe Sprangers said the agreement between the two organisations will benefit touch significantly.

“Touch Rugby has a proud history in New Zealand and has been built over many years by players, coaches, referees, volunteers, schools, associations, whanau and communities across the country, Sprangers said.

“This partnership recognises that history and the strength of our game. Touch Rugby is already loved and played by thousands of New Zealanders, and the opportunity to become part of the New Zealand Rugby whanau gives us a stronger platform to grow, promote and support the game into the future.

“We are excited to work alongside New Zealand Rugby on opportunities that will benefit our community and help more people experience Touch Rugby.”