Rugby Southland has launched a new grassroots fund with the Southland Foundation, investing $100,000 to secure the future of community rugby across the province.
The Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund is designed to grow over time through public donations and bequests, creating a sustainable funding source for rugby at all community levels.
Rugby Southland Chief Executive Officer Hua Tamariki said the union worked hard throughout 2025 to enable this partnership and investment.
"Through disciplined financial stewardship and strong alignment between our Board and Operations, Rugby Southland is fortunate to be in a position to partner with the Southland Foundation and invest in the future of our game," Tamariki said.
"We recognise that community participation at the grassroots level relies on the commitment of a wide cross-section of our region. The establishment of the Rugby Southland Grassroots Fund reflects our belief that sustained investment in the community game will continue to empower passionate players and volunteers, ensuring access to resources and opportunities for generations to come."
The fund will support junior and youth rugby, senior club competitions, referee development, coaching programmes, and community initiatives. As an endowment fund, donations are invested while preserving the original capital, allowing the fund to grow over time with income returned to local rugby.
Rugby Southland Chairman Murray Brown said the initiative reflects the organisation's strategic focus on financial sustainability over the past three years.
"The board over the last three years, as one of its key strategic pillars, was to focus on the financial sustainability of the organisation. The support of the wider rugby community has been significant in Rugby Southland progressively improving its financial position," Brown said.
"By adopting a business lens, we are continuing to look at ways to diversify to balance our risk. Partnering with the Southland Foundation was one key opportunity as a medium to longer-term investment initiative to future-proof our game across all sectors at the community level, so we can continue to deliver and meet our purpose and vision of 'inspiring our community'."
Southland Foundation General Manager Robyn Koehler welcomed the partnership.
"We're delighted that Rugby Southland has chosen to establish this community group fund," Koehler said. "An endowment fund is a powerful way to honour the enduring legacy of rugby in the South, while offering a simple and meaningful way for people to give back to a game they love, knowing their contribution will continue to support their sporting community for generations to come."
Rugby has been central to Southland communities since 1887, when the province broke away from Otago to establish its own rugby identity. The sport remains deeply embedded in local culture, from rural clubs to urban competitions.
Donations to the fund are now open through the Southland Foundation website or by contacting Rugby Southland directly.