Source: Radio New Zealand
The Nelson Rugby Football Union is the latest club to remove fees for junior players. Shuttersport NZ
Rugby clubs around the country are scrapping junior fees in a bid to ease financial pressure on families and revive grassroots participation.
What began as a small initiative in 2024 has gathered momentum, with more clubs opting to waive registration costs in 2026.
Counties Manukau has led the way, entering its third season of the scheme offering free junior rugby.
Head of community Matt Megaw said the results were already showing, with a five percent lift in player numbers and more teams formed.
Funded through a $1 million grant from NZ Rugby’s Silver Lake deal, the union placed the money in a trust and distributed the interest to clubs.
“We’ve delivered $155,000 back to the community and that’ll top $200,000 by the end of the year,” Megaw said.
“Fees are a barrier, especially in our region. Being able to use it on junior rugby specifically is going to support those families in some way.”
While clubs are not required to remove fees, many have opted in – including Pukekohe, which has more than 350 junior players.
“They’re completely zero-fees this year. Two years ago it was $80 to $100,” Megaw said.
“It empowers clubs to make those calls, and kids can just walk in and play – that’s what it’s all about.”
Several grassroots rugby clubs from around the country have elected to follow Counties Manukau’s lead this season by removing fees for junior players. 123rf.com
The model is now spreading.
In Nelson, the country’s oldest rugby club has this year elected to remove fees for junior players.
The Nelson Rugby Football Union made the move in response to a study showing cost prevented kids getting into sport.
Junior club captain Lisa Trusler said the club’s focus is on removing barriers where possible.
“We want to see more kids get involved with rugby and the financial hardship on a lot of families these days is hard.”
Though the season had yet to kick off, Trusler said there had been a great response from locals.
“It’s a little bit too early to tell, but there has been a bit of excitement from a few families that have got multiple children. Our under six grade is getting a few extras come along.”
The club also utilise a boot box, where boots are donated for kids to use.
“They can get other rugby gear as well, head gear and stuff like that. It’s all about getting kids into rugby regardless of their financial position.”
Trusler said she hoped that the initiative would open the doors for a lot more people.
“We just want to see more kids out there running around.”
Rippa Rugby at Sport Park Motueka. Chris Symes
Wellington’s Newlands Rugby Football Club has taken a similar approach this season. In announcing the decision on its website, the club said: “For many families sport has become an expense that is increasingly difficult to justify.
“Our priority is ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in rugby, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”
Research backs up the shift. A 2020 Sport NZ study, led by University of Otago researcher Dr Anja Mizdrak, found household income had a significant impact on whether young people meet physical activity guidelines.
In Auckland, Marist director of rugby Doug Sanft said he has seen a clear decrease in junior playing numbers, and removing fees was an obvious way to arrest the decline.
“It’s a massive drop, but it’s right through all grades in Auckland. So we’re just trying to find ways to try and get them back. I think that’s one thing. I think that’s one solution.”
Sanft felt rugby was losing ground to the likes of football and basketball.
“We are trying to cater to the community and find ways to try and get some engagement back to the club. I don’t think we’re engaging many kids coming to rugby. There’s barriers all over here. The other one is making it fun for the kids. Instead of trying to compete, make sure they’re participating and just enjoying their time with the other kids.”
He said at the season’s first muster, there had been a noticeable shift in numbers.
NZ Rugby’s Mike Hester said it’s important that participation to community sport remains accessible to as many people as possible. New Zealand Rugby
NZ Rugby head of rugby participation and development Mike Hester said keeping the game accessible remained a priority.
“Rugby, like many sports, is always aiming to reduce the barriers to participation.”
Hester said that through collaborative efforts between the provincial unions, clubs and schools, rugby typically has low registration and affiliation fees when compared to other sports.
“Financial pressure on whānau can make it harder to stay involved, whether that’s covering fees, getting to training, or finding time to volunteer. Removing registration fees can help lower these barriers, particularly where travel and other associated costs come into play.
“Where clubs can operate without registration fees, we applaud their willingness to do so. However, we recognise this isn’t always possible. Clubs have a range of costs to cover, including equipment, uniforms and transport, and registration fees are one way to help meet those costs.”
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