NZRU launches RWC2011 Rugby Legacy programme

8/11/2010 2:43:29 p.m.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) today announced details of its plans to harness the hosting of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) to build a lasting legacy for the game in New Zealand.

The Rugby Legacy programme embodies all of the benefits and programmes which will contribute to a positive and lasting legacy for rugby after RWC 2011 has been and gone.

At the launch today, the focus was on six Community Rugby Legacy initiatives, to be delivered in conjunction with New Zealand‟s Provincial Unions, which have been developed to help grow the game by attracting more players, coaches, administrators and referees.

Speaking at the launch at the Hutt Old Boys Marist rugby club in Lower Hutt today, NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the Legacy Programme is built on the "more" and "better" approach.

"We‟re very keen to see more players coming into the game as a result of RWC 2011. That then would create the need for more administrators, more coaches, more referees, so we‟re really trying to drive that increase in our participant base. The six initiatives we are announcing today are intended to help deliver on that opportunity.

"In relation to „better,‟ RWC 2011 is also delivering us a range of other benefits – better stadiums, such as those already delivered in Auckland, Napier, Nelson, Christchurch and soon Dunedin; but also better operating and match delivery systems, improved databases and better infrastructure including upgraded club and training facilities."

Mr Tew said when New Zealand won the rights to host RWC 2011 back in 2005, it was done with full knowledge that the Tournament would not make money but would instead require investment from New Zealand rugby.

"We fully believed that the investment was well worth it as the benefits to the game, and to New Zealand, would be significant over a long period of time, and this programme represents the game‟s combined efforts to make the most of it."

The six Community Rugby Legacy initiatives that underpin the plan are:

A

Sign Your Jersey programme will link clubs and schools with the Tournament through creating a tapestry of traditional rugby colours that will play a part in the ceremonies in September 2011.

A national

Registration Drive and Trophy Tour early in 2011 to secure current and new players to rugby during the registration period for the 2011 season with the aim of bringing new and former young rugby players into the game.

A New Zealand

Rugby Passport will reach out to the tens of thousands of international visitors and invite them to come and experience the real rugby experience at a real New Zealand rugby club.

A national

Pass the Ball relay intended to give registered junior players a chance to be a part of the excitement in 2011.

national education programme will bring rugby-themed education to schools the length of New Zealand, expanding on our already popular rugby education units.

As Brent Anderson, the NZRU General Manager Provincial Union Relationships and Community Rugby, puts it, the Legacy Programme will require all of rugby to work together to make the most of hosting RWC 2011.

"We‟re pretty sure RWC 2011 will spike people‟s interest and they will want to be involved. We need to ensure they have a really good experience if we are to see them stay in the game and become long term participants because that‟s what we‟re after.

"We don‟t just want a quick spike up and down, yeah had a look, thanks a lot and they‟re gone. We want them to be long term team members, coaches, referees and administrators who really get involved in rugby and enjoy it like so many people do already."

The NZRU also announced today that former All Black flanker Waka Nathan would be the NZRU‟s Rugby Legacy Ambassador, helping promote the initiatives in the coming months.

NZRU

Media Release