News

Counties Manukau clubs are being encouraged to enter a nation-wide Bunnings Rugby Assist competition that will see winning clubs receive $30,000 worth of Bunnings products and materials.

Bunnings, the new sponsor of the National Provincial Championship, are currently taking applications from any club in New Zealand.

Clubs need to demonstrate why they would be worthy recipients in 400 words or less. They need to show why the club needs the products/materials to update facilities and an overview of the planned project with video or photos demonstrating the need for upgrades. They also need to include key timings, target completion dates and a budget.

Counties Manukau Rugby chief executive Aaron Lawton said he would like to see all local clubs put their hands up.

“This is an amazing opportunity to get some serious assistance to help grow the club game in our region,” Lawton said.

“Bunnings are passionate about helping the local game and this help could provide for a long overdue upgrade of clubrooms, the addition of a new scoreboard, or assistance with women’s specific changing facilities.

I urge all of CMRFU clubs to submit an application.”

Applications are now open and will close on 2 August. Five clubs will be selected to receive $30,000 worth of Bunnings products and materials and another 15 clubs will receive $10,000 of Bunnings products and materials.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager, Community Rugby, Steve Lancaster, said Bunnings Rugby Assist will go a long way to support grassroots clubs wanting a helping hand.

“Bunnings Rugby Assist is a fantastic opportunity for local grassroots clubs who are needing some extra support with improvements or upgrades to their facilities.

“We are thrilled to have a partner who wants to help us grow the game and support the players and their communities. Bunnings shares our goal of helping to build grassroots rugby, which is at the heart of every community in this country.

“There are almost 500 rugby clubs in New Zealand and they play a vital part in our game. It’s important to us that we have strong and welcoming clubs, that our players and communities are proud of. This is fundamental to creating healthy competitions, keeping the game strong and fulfilling the needs of those involved,” said Lancaster.

Director, Bunnings New Zealand, Ben Camire, says “Bunnings has a longstanding commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the wider community so we are really excited to kick off our partnership with NZR by launching an initiative that will make a positive difference to grassroots rugby.

“Bunnings Rugby Assist will not only provide clubs with Bunnings products and materials, but our team members are excited to roll up their sleeves and provide hands on support to the successful clubs, helping to get the job done so it can be enjoyed by all.

“Many of our team members are provincial rugby players, volunteers or spectators themselves and we know the important role grassroots rugby plays in building a connected community and many of our store teams are already involved in supporting their local rugby clubs. Bunnings Rugby Assist is one small way Bunnings can help grassroot rugby thrive and we look forward to building on this support,” said Camire.

Bunnings Rugby Assist ambassador, All Black legend and Waiuku local Stephen Donald, says the program is a great opportunity for community clubs to make their facilities more inviting for locals who might want to join and take part in the game. 

“Grassroots rugby is the meeting ground for local communities everywhere, the birthplace of All Blacks and where I found my passion and love for the game,” Donald said. “The support that’s given by the community at the club is so important to the players and keeps the sport alive.

“I’d encourage all local clubs to apply for the Bunnings Rugby Assist to make their clubs the best they can be for the next generation of rugby legends.”

Clubs can enter via: https://bunnings.nzrugby.co.nz/