Mind. Set. Engage. App - a game-changer for mental wellbeing in Rugby
8 July 2025New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, and Groov have joined forces to launch the Mind. Set. Engage. app—an initiative designed to support mental wellbeing across the rugby community.
Mental and physical health are deeply linked, as stress and mental struggles can lead to physical issues, and poor physical health can negatively impact emotional well-being—both need care for overall wellness says Sir John Kirwan, former All Black and mental health advocate.
Powered by Groov, the Mind. Set. Engage. app brings expert-driven wellbeing tools and strategies directly to players, coaches, and clubs to help people focus on their mental wellbeing.
The app features courses hosted by rugby legends Sir John Kirwan KNZM MBE and Pita Alatini, with insights from All Blacks and Black Ferns. It mirrors key themes from New Zealand Rugby’s Mind. Set. Engage. workshops, helping users to:
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Engage with tools that teach new skills and boost daily mental wellbeing.
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Strengthen their ability to maintain positive wellbeing and cope with challenges on and off the field.
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Support both their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
“We are acutely aware how vital support, resources and awareness are for mental wellbeing, so for the players to be able to play a part in providing this tool for our rugby community is hugely important to us, says Rob Nichol New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO.
Prioritising mental wellbeing is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. Beyond structured courses, the app also provides articles and practical tools such as a mood tracker and breathing exercises.
“We know mental health and wellbeing looks different for everyone, so the app allows our rugby community to learn about this in a manner and speed that suits them best. Having an app that is rugby focused with key strategies and tools delivered by All Blacks and Black Ferns also helps to reduce some of the stigma that can be associated with this topic.” – Dr Nathan Price Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, New Zealand Rugby.
Importantly, Mind. Set. Engage. will be available for free to all community rugby clubs, ensuring accessibility for players, coaches, referees, staff and supporters at all levels.
The app is available for download on Apple and the Google Playstore.
