NZ Rugby
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Legacy Fund

Leaving an enduring legacy for future generations

The Legacy Fund exists to leave an enduring legacy for future generations through rugby. It is a community rugby taonga passed from those who have gone, to those who are yet to come.

The 2025 round of Legacy Fund applications has now closed. Applicants will be contacted once applications have been reviewed. Be sure to follow New Zealand Rugby on social media for details on when applications will be open in 2026.

This webpage contains details on how you can prepare your best submission for future application rounds. If you would like further information about the Legacy Fund, you can contact legacyfund@nzrugby.co.nz

Established to distribute the earnings from a $60 million capital base held by New Zealand Rugby, the Legacy Fund supports grassroots rugby to fund ideas that strengthen communities, spark innovation, and honour the past by investing in the future.

It’s not about replacing existing community funding, it’s about funding intergenerational projects that aren’t often eligible for funding. This could be rugby’s contribution to your next long term community infrastructure build. Yes that means capex!

Applications for the inaugural funding round of the Legacy Fund are now closed. 

Funding decisions will be announced in December 2025, with funds distributed from mid-December.

 

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Contact us

We’re here to help!

Please reach out to the Legacy Fund Manager (legacyfund@nzrugby.co.nz) or via our online form.

History spotlight

History of the Legacy Fund

Looking back through our history encourages us to look forward, to think about the footprints we’re leaving for the game.

Learn more about how the Legacy Fund came to be, the vision and purpose of the kaupapa.

Legacy Fund history

Who should apply

We want to hear from rugby communities with a bold idea. Whether it’s a much-needed facility upgrade, a visionary development programme, or a way to uplift your people through rugby, this charity was made to support your long-term impact.

Any organisation connected to community rugby in Aotearoa is welcome to apply - clubs, Provincial Unions, iwi or hapū, schools, collectives. We especially encourage those who are working collaboratively with:

  • Provincial Unions
  • Local or regional councils
  • Regional Sports Trusts
  • Community funders and partners

What we support

  • Things that enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of people
  • Participation, training and development programmes
  • Capital assets
  • Rugby skill development and coaching
  • Educational activities
  • Financial and planning support
  • Capturing the legacy of our game
  • Technology

We will walk alongside you. Our Legacy Fund Manager is here to listen, support and strengthen your idea from the start.

 

How the process works

  1. Applications submitted via the application form - these will be made available again in 2026. 
  2. Pre-assessment by the Legacy Fund Internal Working Group 
  3. Rangatahi consultation and community perspectives gathered including getting support from your local Provincial Union 
  4. Advisory Group meets and makes recommendations 
  5. NZR Board, as Trustee, reviews and approves final funding decisions 
  6. Applicants notified, with guidance and agreements issued 
  7. Projects funded and supported with milestone monitoring and storytelling 

Transparency, community voice and integrity are central to every decision we make. 

Key Dates 

In 2026, there will be two funding rounds, one pre-season and another post season. These dates will be communicated with the rugby community once confirmed. 

 

Questions? 

We understand you might have questions about if your project is suitable for the Legacy Fund, or the process itself. You can download our FAQs here,or take a look at the questions below. 

 

FAQs

  • What is the Legacy Fund?

    A charitable trust that distributes the annual earnings from a $60 million perpetual fund held by New Zealand Rugby. The Fund is dedicated to growing grassroots rugby in Aotearoa. 

  • Who can apply?

    Any community organisation connected to rugby with a bold idea and community support. 

  • Is this a replacement for other funding?

    No, this is designed to complement existing funding sources and support ideas that create long-term, transformational change. 

  • How do I get support with my application?

    Reach out to us via legacyfund@nzrugby.co.nz  We’re here to help refine your idea and connect you to the right people.

  • What kind of projects are you looking for?

    Anything which will have a long term, positive impact on Kiwi communities through rugby. Think legacy. Think intergenerational.  

  • Who makes the decision on successful applications?

    The Legacy Fund is guided by the game. The Legacy Fund Advisory Group ensures that the charity’s distributions are grounded in diverse, informed, community-driven perspectives. It reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the NZR Board, as trustee. Membership includes: 

    •    NZR Board representative 
    •    NZR CEO and GM of Community Rugby 
    •    Māori Rugby representative 
    •    Pasifika Rugby representative 
    •    Sport NZ participation representative 
    •    Three Provincial Union reps (Heartland, North, South) 
    •    Super Rugby representative 
    •    NZRPA (player representative) 

    The group brings a wide range of lived experience, from regional club rugby to high-performance, governance to grassroots. Their role is to guide, reflect and steward decisions that deliver genuine legacy. 

  • My community is based outside of New Zealand, can I apply?

    No, all investments shall be limited to initiatives targeted in New Zealand. 

  • I only want $5,000 to help me start the first girls’ rugby team at my school, am I eligible?

    Yes, the Legacy Fund has can fund small, medium and large-scale projects.   

  • My council owns the lights and grounds at my rugby club but we really need new lights. Am I eligible even if the assets would be owned by council?

    Yes, the Legacy Fund is about ensuring long-term impact and in many cases, it is better long term for assets to be held by different organisations, and we encourage partnering with other organisations to achieve our goals. 

  • My iwi is not formally connected to our local provincial union or club, but we want to start a historical pa competition, am I eligible?

    Yes, the Legacy Fund has an open-door approach to applications, but we would encourage you to get the support of your local Provincial Union to help support your ideas.  

  • We want to invest in commercial activity in our clubrooms to help us drive revenue for our club, am I eligible?

    Yes, solving long term financial sustainability is essential for the next generation. Commercial activity will certainly be considered, but not for alcohol initiatives. 

  • I need a lot of money, can the Legacy Fund partially fund projects once I have sourced other additional funding streams?

    Yes, co-funding arrangements for larger projects are encouraged.   

  • I am interested in donating or making a bequest to the Legacy Fund. What are the next steps?

    If you love rugby and want to support its future, we invite you to reach out to the Legacy Fund Manager via email legacyfund@nzrugby.co.nz  

  • I’ve got some feedback for you. Where can I send it?

    This is the first year of the Legacy Fund and we’re focused on having the greatest impact on community rugby. All feedback is welcome, and please send through to legacyfund@nzrugby.co.nz