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The Live Sport Bible is here!NZ Rugby announces new 'landmark' partnership with Touch NZ
Sport Nation • May 19th, 2026 7:13 am
Touch Rugby | Photo: Supplied
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Touch New Zealand have announced a landmark new partnership, formally recognising Touch Rugby as the official non-contact summer form of rugby in Aotearoa.
The exclusive agreement aims to create one of the largest participation footprints in New Zealand sport, strengthening a year-round rugby pathway from summer touch through to junior, school and club rugby, as well as performance levels.
It also opens the door for closer collaboration across participation, community engagement, events, marketing and commercial growth.
As part of the deal, Touch New Zealand will begin the process of becoming an Associate Member of NZR, with a final vote expected at the 2027 NZR AGM.
NZR Chief Executive Steve Lancaster described the partnership as a significant step forward.
“Touch Rugby has always been part of how New Zealanders connect with rugby. It is played in schools, parks, local modules, tournaments and backyards across the country, and for many people it is one of the first ways they experience the speed, skill and enjoyment of the game.
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“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, more ways for communities to connect and more opportunities to keep people involved in rugby throughout the year.
“This is a proud moment for rugby in Aotearoa. It recognises the strength, history and scale of touch, while opening the door to new opportunities across participation, events, content, sponsorship and community engagement.”
Touch New Zealand CEO Joe Sprangers said the agreement marked an important milestone for the sport.
“Touch Rugby has a proud history in New Zealand and has been built over many years by players, coaches, referees, volunteers, schools, associations, whānau and communities across the country.
“This partnership recognises that 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.
“We are excited to work alongside New Zealand Rugby on opportunities that will benefit our community and help more people experience Touch Rugby.”
