Record numbers of New Zealanders playing rugby

A record number of New Zealanders are playing rugby, with over 155,000 registered players – a 3% increase on the previous year - in 2016.

2016 figures from New Zealand Rugby show the biggest growth area in the game was in children under 13, with more than 85,000 youngsters playing rugby, an increase of 5% on 2015 and up almost 10% since 2012.

In 2016, rugby also became increasingly popular with girls, with a surge in the number of females under 13 picking up a rugby ball, with a 12% increase on 2015.

New Zealand Rugby Head of Community Rugby Brent Anderson said rugby continued to unify and inspire New Zealanders, explaining “despite having a variety of sporting options available, it’s pleasing to see rugby continues to hold a special place in the heart of New Zealanders. The game’s increased popularity spans age, gender, country and city.

“Kids tell us they love playing rugby because they can have fun with their mates. Rippa Rugby, a non-contact form of the game, is growing as is sevens and the introduction of Quick Rip provides further opportunities for growth.

“Women’s rugby continues to be a major growth area for us. In 2014 New Zealand Rugby’s goal was 21,000 female players by 2020 and we have surpassed that target already with 21,937 women and girls playing the game this year.

“The successes of both the Black Ferns and the Black Ferns Sevens – including their silver medal win in Rio - have created a real buzz in women’s rugby. We’re seeing more and more girls and women playing the game for the first time and we’re retaining them in greater numbers too.

“New Zealand Rugby has made a big investment in growing grass roots rugby in recent years and it’s great to see that strategy paying dividends but we don’t take it for granted. Last year we increased our funding to the Provincial Unions by 50% to help grow the game at the grass roots level.

“It is particularly pleasing to see the 6% growth in the number of coaches. Kids tell us they want great coaches and good referees.

“We need great coaches and referees and players can stay involved by coaching a team or becoming a referee after they retire from the field.

“We still face similar challenges to most sports, and teenagers in particular remain an area of focus for us as does growing the game in Auckland. But overall, the game is in good shape.

“It’s been another year of solid success on the field for our national teams. But to have outstanding players at the top you need a wide base of talent to draw from. Our growth in grass roots player numbers will ensure our Provincial Unions, Super Rugby squads and national teams continue to have brilliant players to choose from.”

Rugby in New Zealand numbers

• 155,934 players - an increase from 150,727 in 2015
• 85,341 Small Blacks (five to 12 years) - an increase from 80,978 in 2015
• 42,275 teenagers (13 to 20 years) - a small increase from 42,072 in 2015
• 28,318 players aged 21 and over - an increase from 27,677 in 2015
• 21,937 female players - an increase of 2,145 (12%) compared to 2015 
• 12,816 coaches - an increase from 12,019 in 2015
• 1,858 referees - a small increase from 1,851 in 2015

6th November 2016 - NEW ZEALAND RUGBY EXTENDS AIG PARTNERSHIP

18th March 2016 - FINANCIAL LOSS FOR NEW ZEALAND RUGBY

6th December 2015 - NEW ZEALAND RUGBY REPORTS GROWTH IN PARTICIPATION AMONG GIRLS AND WOMEN

12th March 2015 - MORE NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL SPORT

21st November 2014 - NEW ZEALAND’S RUGBY PLAYER NUMBERS REACH RECORD HIGH