“Empowering disabled and neurodiverse tamariki and rangatahi through rugby” – Sense Rugby NZ Trust.
At the heart of Sense Rugby’s occupational therapy-led rugby programme is a clear vision: for all tamariki and rangatahi to experience the joy of participating in active recreation and sport, regardless of their differences.
Young people living with disabilities or neurodivergence often have limited access to meaningful, informed and consistent active recreation opportunities – recognising the need for programmes that support and include young people with diverse needs, Sense Rugby was established to provide a free specialised rugby programme that aims to grow the skills and confidence of young people and help them achieve success.
In 2025, Foundation North approved a grant under its Social Inclusion focus area in support of the Trust’s Tāmaki Makaurau rugby programmes, which create opportunities for inclusion, success, and belonging in the NZ rugby community.
Last year, the Trust’s weekly South Auckland and Onehunga programmes successfully reached around 25 – 30 rangatahi and tamariki, highlighting the value and desire for sport and recreation opportunities that understand and support the diverse needs of our young people.
A major highlight for the organisation was receiving an invitation to attend the Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup departure event at Manukau school, with the Sense team sharing that –
“The visibility and inclusion of our disabled and neurodiverse participants in such a historic event was an exceptional achievement.”
To learn more about Sense Rugby’s mahi and impact in Auckland and across the motu visit their website.
