Playing numbers remain healthy - NZRU

A record number of New Zealanders are playing our national game, with over 155,000 registered rugby players in 2016.

The biggest growth area in the game saw more than 85,000 children under 13 playing rugby, an increase of 5 per cent on 2015 and up almost 10 per cent since 2012. Rugby is becoming increasingly popular with girls, with a surge in the number of girls under 13 picking up a rugby ball, with a 12 per cent increase on 2015.

New Zealand Rugby Head of Community Rugby Brent Anderson said rugby continued to unify and inspire New Zealanders.

“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 per cent to help grow the game at the grass roots level.

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

“We need great coaches and referees. Players can stay involved by coaching a team or becoming a referee when they stop playing.

“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 by the numbers

• 155,934 players – an increase from 150,727 in 2015
• 85,341 Small Blacks (5-12 years) – an increase from 80,978 in 2015
• 42,275 teenagers (13-20) – 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 (11 per cent) compared to 2015 
• 12,816 coaches – an increase from 12,109 in 2015
• 1,858 referees – a small increase from 1,851 in 2015