Highlanders Competitors

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) leads, supports, grows and promotes New Zealand's game. NZR has offices in Wellington and Auckland as well as a number of staff based around New Zealand. NZR is one of New Zealand's largest sports organisations, with a team of employees committed to ensuring that our national game is run smoothly and effectively at all levels, all over New Zealand. As a modern, professional sport, rugby encompasses a wide range of activities and functions. Our people manage our national teams, administration of our national competitions, and participation in international competitions and matches - including Test matches - as well as assisting community rugby throughout the country. NZR has direct relationships with its members, including all 26 Provincial Unions, Super Rugby organisations and commercial and charity partners as well as international rugby bodies and stakeholders, such as the New Zealand Government.

The Tasman Rugby Union was officially formed in December 2005 as an amalgamation of the Nelson Bays and Marlborough rugby unions. This was done primarily to field a team - the Tasman Mako - in New Zealand's premier provincial rugby competition in 2006 (now the Mitre 10 Cup). The Tasman RU's role is to provide and administer grass-roots rugby in schools and clubs and to offer greater resources to all participants for pathways to higher representative honours and careers in professional rugby.

On behalf of the 20 clubs within the province, The Auckland Rugby Union is responsible for the, management, administration, marketing and development of rugby in the area. It is a job everyone associated with the Union takes great pride in. Based at Eden Park, the home of many of New Zealand's greatest rugby moments, the union facilitates the running of school, club and representative competitions in which Auckland teams participate. These include primary school competitions like the Bill McLaren trophy, Club competitions such as the world renowned Gallaher Shield, right up to the Mitre 10 Cup. The development of the game is assisted through such schemes as the Auckland Rugby Academy and numerous coaching courses. Volunteers are a vital part of our rugby community, and as a union we absolutely appreciate their efforts and do what we can to support them. One of the most valued and crucial volunteer groups are referees. Games simply do not go ahead without them and it is important they are well supported on and off the field. From those who are controlling premier games to all the Mum or Dad coaches that find themselves with a whistle, all of them deserve courtesy and respect from those on the field as well as the sideline.