New Zealand Rugby and Touch NZ Unveil Landmark “Whānau” Partnership

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Touch New Zealand have today announced a landmark partnership, formally recognising Touch Rugby as the official non-contact summer form of the game in Aotearoa. 

By integrating summer touch modules with winter junior, school, and club rugby, the two organisations aim to provide a seamless pathway for players to remain connected to the “rugby whānau” regardless of the season.

Commenting on the deal, NZR CEO Steve Lancaster, said: “Touch rugby has always been part of how New Zealanders connect with rugby.” 

“This partnership formally recognises that connection and creates an exciting opportunity to grow the game together.

“By working alongside Touch New Zealand, we can create more ways for people to play and more opportunities to keep people involved in rugby throughout the year.

This partnership gives more people that opportunity, whether they are playing touch rugby over summer, junior rugby at school, or club rugby in winter,” Lancaster said. 

Echoing these sentiments, Touch New Zealand CEO, Joe Sprangers, said: “This partnership recognises the history and the strength of our game.”

“Touch rugby is already loved and played by thousands of New Zealanders, and the opportunity to become part of the New Zealand Rugby whānau gives us a stronger platform to grow, promote and support the game into the future,” Sprangers said. 

Strategic Integration and Associate Membership

As part of the agreement, Touch New Zealand will begin the formal process of becoming an Associate Member of New Zealand Rugby.

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