Toyota and New Zealand Rugby turn tries into cash for community rugby clubs

Junior rugby players, proud representatives of Hunterville Sports Club.

Every try scored by the All Blacks and Black Ferns on home soil this season could help fund grassroots rugby clubs around New Zealand, thanks to Toyota New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby.

Called Grounded Grants, the programme awards $2,000 grants to registered rugby clubs whenever a try is scored during eight home test matches across the 2026 season, creating a direct link between rugby's biggest stage and the local clubs that are the foundation of the game. To date, 16 clubs have been awarded $2,000 each, and one lucky club received $4,000 as their patch on the grid was scored in twice, so far totalling $34,000 going to grassroots rugby clubs around New Zealand.

For Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President – Marketing, Sustainability and Technology, Susanne Hardy, Grounded Grants is all about supporting the people who keep rugby thriving in communities across the country.

“Grassroots rugby is where future All Blacks and Black Ferns first pull on a jersey, and where volunteers, families, coaches and communities keep the game thriving. For many clubs, $2,000 can make a meaningful difference, whether it buys new equipment, goes towards supporting junior players or helping with the day-to-day costs of running a club.”

Chris Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at New Zealand Rugby says Grounded Grants is a great opportunity to support the rugby system and acknowledge the important role clubs play in communities across the motu (country).

"Rugby clubs play an incredibly important role in communities right across New Zealand. They're places where people come together, volunteers give their time, and lifelong connections are made both on and off the field.

"It's fantastic to see our partners supporting community clubs in a practical way. Initiatives like this help strengthen the foundations of the game and allow clubs to keep doing what they do best, bringing people together through rugby."

Through Toyota New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby's Together for Rugby partnership, up to 40 clubs will be randomly selected for each match and assigned a position within a grid overlaying the in-goal area. When a try is officially awarded, the club linked to that section of the field receives a $2,000 grant.

Clubs keep their position for the duration of the half, meaning they can receive multiple grants if more than one try is scored in the same area, as was the case for Springston Rugby Club during the test against Ireland.

With around 450 rugby clubs participating in local competitions nationwide, Susanne says Grounded Grants reflects Toyota New Zealand’s long-standing commitment to both the sport, and the communities who make up the foundation of the game.

"Toyota has supported local rugby for decades through our network of more than 60 Stores nationwide, and now as an Official Partner of New Zealand Rugby across every level of the game, from grassroots clubs through to the All Blacks and Black Ferns."

Grounded Grants winner celebrates surprise boost

Grounded Grants kicked off at the All-Blacks vs France game on Saturday 4 July, with even more clubs benefitting from the game against Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland. Hunterville Sports Club were one of these clubs. Anastasia Perano, Hunterville Sports Club says the grant will make a meaningful difference to the club and its members.

"To be sitting together watching the game and suddenly realise a try had earned our club $2,000 was pretty exciting," says Anastasia.

"Community rugby runs on the efforts of volunteers and the support of our members and sponsors, so funding like this makes a genuine difference. The grant will help us continue providing opportunities for our players and creating a great environment for everyone involved with the club."

Clubs can register to participate in Grounded Grants at toyota.co.nz/groundedgrants. Draws are completed each Monday before an eligible match, with successful clubs assigned to the in-goal grid and revealed online ahead of kick-off. Winning clubs will also be announced during the Sky Sport broadcast.