New Zealand Rugby Together with Groov Unveils New App for Mental Wellbeing

New Zealand Rugby has partnered with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and mental wellbeing tech company Groov to launch the Mind. Set. Engage. app, an initiative designed to promote mental wellbeing across all levels of the rugby community.

The initiative recognises the critical link between mental and physical health. Former All Black and renowned mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan emphasised that emotional struggles often present as physical symptoms, and vice versa, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to wellness.

Rob Nichol, CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, added: “We are acutely aware of how vital support, resources, and awareness are for mental wellbeing, so for the players to contribute to providing this tool for our rugby community is hugely important.”

Dr Nathan Price, Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at New Zealand Rugby, noted the importance of personalised learning: “We know mental health and wellbeing look different for everyone. The app allows our rugby community to engage with this content at their own pace.”

“Having a rugby-focused application, featuring strategies and tools delivered by the All Blacks and Black Ferns, helps break down stigma and normalise these vital conversations,” Dr Price said.

Powered by Groov, Mind. Set. Engage. delivers expert-led mental wellbeing resources directly to players, coaches, referees, and club staff. The app is built to support day-to-day mental resilience, helping users:

• Learn strategies to improve mental fitness
• Sustain wellbeing while navigating life’s challenges
• Support their mental health and that of teammates and colleagues

Crucially, the app will be made freely available to all community rugby clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring equal access to vital wellbeing tools and support.

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