Funds
Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund
The first pass of the ball is never forgotten. For many in Southland, it happened on a Saturday morning on a frosty paddock. For others, under lights on a Friday night. That first pass might have come from a parent, a coach, a teammate; or even a stranger who simply saw a kid ready to be part of something bigger.
That’s how rugby begins here - with connection.
Years later, those same people stand on the sidelines, in clubrooms, or in workplaces across the province. The boots may be hung up, the jerseys folded away, but the game never really leaves. Because in Southland, rugby is more than a sport, it’s belonging. It’s community. It’s a thread that ties generations together and this connection has deep roots.
In 1887, Southland broke away from Otago to form its own rugby identity; bold, independent, and proudly local. From that moment on, the province began building what has become one of the proudest rugby histories in New Zealand. Today, that legacy lives on through more than 30 clubs, spread across 23 towns, where rugby remains the heartbeat of each community. From the smallest rural grounds to the biggest stages, the game continues to bring people together in a way few things can.
Rugby Southland continues to carry that responsibility today, delivering every aspect of the game across the province. From supporting our clubs, to developing and growing our referee programmes, to running clinics for players of all ages and stages, the work happens every day to keep the game strong. That pathway flows through to our amateur representative programme, where the next generation of players take the field, dreaming of higher honours, and the opportunity to represent Southland on both the national and global stage.
And now, there’s a new way to pass the ball on.
Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund
Rugby Southland are proud to establish this fund through the Southland Foundation to demonstrate an enduring commitment to the future of grassroots rugby in Southland. This fund has been created as a foundation that will outlast seasons, scoreboards, and even lifetimes. It is not built for today alone, but for the future generations that will share in the love of the game.
A Legacy for the Future
This fund is designed to grow over time, creating a stable source of funding for the future. It reflects the values of our grassroots rugby in Southland and aims to support the next generation of clubs and players.
It’s a way we can honour the legacy of those who came before us, while making sure future generations have what they need to stay in the game we love.
How the Fund works
Giving Made Easy
You can give to this fund during your lifetime or as part of a bequest in your will. It is a simple way to support the future generations of rugby in Southland.
Your Donation
Stays with the local rugby community and is invested so that a share of the generated income can be reinvested into local Southland rugby initiatives.
Growth Over Time
As this fund grows over time it will enable a continuous income stream to support grassroot rugby in Southland.
How do I help this fund grow?
Anyone can contribute to the Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund. Whether you're a past player, longtime club supporter, parent, family member, business owner, or former Southlander who still cares about your rugby roots; your gift large or small, helps keep the legacy alive and strong.
Giving during your lifetime could qualify for a 33.3% tax credit. If you would like more information on Southland Foundation, please get in touch below.