News

CMRFU is proud to announce our new Charity Partnership with Upside Youth Mentoring.

Upside Youth Mentoring is one of New Zealand’s leading mentoring organisations, dedicated to supporting young people aged 9–13-years that have experienced hardship. Through a proven one-to-one mentoring programme, Upside connects young people with carefully selected, trained volunteer mentors who provide consistent support, encouragement, and guidance. These relationships help build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging, empowering young people to overcome challenges and achieve their potential. With a focus on early intervention, Upside’s work not only improves outcomes for individuals but also creates a ripple effect of positive change within families and communities, contributing to a healthier, more connected society.

"At CMRFU, we believe in the power of inspiring and growing our community and we truly believe that having a mentor can help transform lives. Partnering with Upside Youth Mentoring allows us to support the next generation and foster resilience in our region.” says Andrew Philips, CMRFU Head of Commercial “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people facing challenges, empowering them to reach their full potential."

CMRFU CEO, Chad Shepherd adds “Our purpose is to grow, empower and inspire our people through rugby. We are excited to partner with Upside Youth Mentoring and use rugby as a vehicle to contribute towards a positive social impact and a positive influence on youth within our community.”