History of the Legacy Fund

Rugby is a taonga, a treasure holding a special place in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders. For over 150 years, every person involved in the game has left their mark on rugby and helped shape it into our country’s national game.

The strength of our national teams comes from the grassroots game and carries much mana – every player, coach, manager, match official and whānau represents the people and places who shaped them into who they are, and they carry that with them into a black jersey. It’s a pride in their rugby whakapapa that’s never forgotten.

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

In 2022, rugby was presented with an opportunity to invest in our future, by partnering with a global private equity firm. Commercialising a part of our taonga was something rugby considered deeply, only agreeing to do so in a way that ensured that the grassroots game, the heart of rugby in Aotearoa, remained central as the commercial landscape evolved. The Legacy Fund was born to protect this.

This decision reflected the fact that rugby isn’t just about international glory or financial success. It’s about a young child in a small town dreaming big, local matches that unite communities, and the timeless spirit and values of the game.

The Legacy Fund will make distributions from the $60m capital base in 2025, with the ability for anyone involved the game to apply for funding for projects which will leave an enduring legacy for future generations through rugby.

Our Vision
The Legacy Fund: a community rugby taonga from those who have gone, for those who are yet to come.

Vision: To leave an enduring legacy for future generations.

Mō ngā tamariki mokopuna - For the future generation's children and grandchildren.

The Legacy Fund is a taonga, a precious gift for Aotearoa. It recognises the special place rugby holds in our hearts and the vital role it plays in our communities. This fund will ensure that future generations can experience the joy, camaraderie, and personal growth that rugby offers.

Supporting Our Communities
The Legacy Fund is not just about supporting rugby, it's about strengthening the whānau involved in rugby. It will provide vital resources to create and enhance rugby environments, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future
The Legacy Fund recognises the contributions of everyone who has shaped rugby into the taonga it is today. It's a way of honouring their legacy by investing in the future of the game.

With the Legacy Fund, we're not just building rugby fields, we're building stronger communities, fostering a love of the game, and nurturing the potential of future generations. This is about planting trees in whose shade we shall never sit. This is a taonga that will benefit all of Aotearoa.