New Zealand Rugby and the 26 Provincial Unions have opened applications for $7.5 million of funding to rugby clubs.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Over 450 community rugby clubs are set to receive the Short-term Stakeholder Investment (SSI) ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per club, with the first round of funds to be paid by the end of October.
Community rugby clubs are required to meet a set of criteria to be eligible and complete a submission to their union.
The total investment will be determined by each club's registered player numbers over the past five years.
The majority of the SSI funding will go directly to clubs, with some unions offering a second option that groups the investment for the collective benefit of clubs.
The Silver Lake partnership with NZR was confirmed in July and involves an investment of $200m for a minority ownership percentage in NZR Commercial LP.
As part of this, distributions to rugby stakeholders were confirmed, including $7.5m for rugby clubs, $2m into Māori Rugby, $20m into Provincial Unions and $900k to other associates.
There will also be a $60m contribution to a new Legacy Fund, an amount set aside to invest in growth, various investments across the game and the balance of funds after costs will form an injection in to NZR reserves to safeguard the game against any future financial disruptions.
NZR will provide more details regarding distribution of funds to other members and rugby stakeholders in the coming weeks.
NZR General Manager Community Rugby, Steve Lancaster, said the funding for clubs underlined the importance of rugby clubs to the sport.
"Central to bringing investment into the game was community rugby, and the recognition that clubs are a vital part of the game. This funding is about supporting clubs to grow and giving others some short-term financial stability."
Lancaster added that clubs would be encouraged to focus investment across several key areas for the community game.
"We want to make the most of this opportunity right across the game. Alongside the Provincial Unions, we're encouraging clubs to focus on initiatives that make facilities and environments welcoming, and get more Kiwis playing.
"Hosting the Rugby World Cup has the potential to be a huge boost to women and girls' rugby, and we'd certainly like clubs to look about how they can use the investment to support this area of the game."
Mid Canterbury Rugby Union CEO Tanya Dearns said clubs could expect to hear from their Provincial Unions as of today.
"This is a massive boost for clubs right around the country. We're all eager to hear club ideas and see the benefits right across our communities. We've taken the time to make sure we get the process right and we'll be working with clubs on their applications."