New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) have agreed a new three-year collective agreement from 2026 to 2028, strengthening their long-standing partnership with a focus on player wellbeing, retention and the future of the game.
New Zealand Rugby and the NZRPA have reached agreement on a new Collective Employment Agreement covering the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028, following a collaborative negotiation process across the professional game.
The agreement continues the partnership model between NZR and the players’ association, with both parties working together to support the long-term success and sustainability of rugby in New Zealand. Central to the deal is the ongoing sharing of revenue generated by the professional game, ensuring players continue to participate in the commercial success of the sport.
The new framework includes increased investment in player wellbeing, personal development, education and support systems, recognising the importance of holistic player care both during and beyond their playing careers.
The agreement also provides for enhanced player payments and benefits, including match payments across national teams, and recognises the contribution of players throughout their careers. In addition, it includes targeted measures to further support the women’s game, including developments in contracting structures and player support.
Both NZR and the NZRPA emphasised the importance of working together to shape the future of the game, including through ongoing collaboration on high-performance structures and the broader direction of rugby in New Zealand.
This agreement highlights the value of collective bargaining structures that enable players and governing bodies to work in partnership to shape the future of the sport. From a World Players perspective, it reinforces the importance of recognising athletes as workers and ensuring that agreements deliver not only fair economic participation, but also long-term wellbeing, career development and post-playing support through jointly governed frameworks.
Access the full article on the New Zealand Rugby Players Association website.
Photo credit: IMAGO / AAP
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