Annual Report 2023

Supporting seriously injured players, for life

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Created in 2022, the Pettigrew Giving Circle pools the resources of significant individual and corporate donors to provide greater immediate impact to our communities. The New Zealand Rugby Foundation would like to acknowledge the support of the following:

Wayne & Kath EDWARDS

Julian ARNHOLD (Private)

Noel ROBBIE

Brady & Kylee WILLIAMS

Martin WEBSTER

Craig BURGESS

MACRENNIE COMMERICAL CONSTRUCTION LTD

Andrew HORGAN

Bryce CALDWELL (Private)

Willy & Rick JOHNSTON

Nick TONGuE

Gavin & Amanda NELL

Pat COLL

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The 2024 Annual General Meeting (37th AGM) of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation Incorporated will be held on Wednesday 10 April 2024 at 2.00pm

The Terrace at Sky City, Auckland. The meeting will be held in person and also on Zoom

In accordance with the constitution of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation Inc:

(a) The Annual General Meeting of the NZ Rugby Foundation shall be held annually at a time and place as the Board shall decide and shall be held not more than four months after the end of the NZ Rugby Foundation’s financial year.

(b) The CEO shall give at least fifteen (15) Business Days written notice of the date of the Annual General Meeting, to Members.

(c) Any Member requiring any business to be discussed or any resolution to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall give notice in writing to the CEO of such business or such resolution no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.

(d) The order of business for an Annual General Meeting shall be;

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

a) Opening of Meeting – Karakia

b) Roll call and quorum

c) Apologies

d) Obituaries

e) Confirmation of Minutes of previous meeting held 28 March 2023.

f) The Annual Report:

a. Chair and CE report

b. Treasurer’s report

c. Receive and adopt the audited Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of financial position for the previous financial year

d. Confirmation of Chairman/Chief Executive/Treasurer reports

e. Receive and adopt the Annual Report

g) Election/ratification of Officers, Directors and appointment of the Auditor

i. Directors due for rotation and all available are Mark Peters, Steve Morris, Melodie Robinson, and Hannah Porter

ii. Ratification of any potential new Directors

iii. Appointment of the Auditor

h) Consider any business or proposed resolutions of which notice has been given.

i) Transact any general business.

j) Closure – Karakia

Lisa Kingi-Bon Chief Executive

Officers of 2023

PATRONS

PRESIDENT

FOUNDING PRESIDENT

ORIGINAL FIRST XV

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Sir Graham Henry KNZM

Richie McCaw ONZ

Andy Dalton

Sir Russell Pettigrew F.Inst. D, FCIT K.T †

Sir David Beattie, Sir Russell Pettigrew, Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Desmond Sullivan, Sir Wilson Whineray, J.G Frazer, B.J Drake, J.J Stewart, G.C McKay, A.R Leslie, R.A Harper, B.A Hancox, K.R Tremain, R.W Thomas, I.A Vodanovich

Andrew Golightly Chair

Melodie Robinson Deputy Chair

Mark Peters Treasurer

Rowena Davenport NZR representative

David Latta

Simon Tremain

Dr John Mayhew ONZM

Graham Mourie MBE

Andrew Hall

Prof Steve Morris

Hannah Porter

Teina Boyd

Ali Williams

Heidi Beech

Sir Russell Hilton Pettigrew F.Inst.D, FCIT K.T RNZN 3886, WWII. †

Sir Colin Earl Meads KNZM MBE †

Sir David John Graham KNZM CBE ED †

Richie Guy ONZM

Colin Gibbons

Maurice Trapp

Tane Norton †

Andy Leslie MNZM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

ACCOUNTANT

AUDITORS

BANKERS

ADMINISTRATION

Lisa Kingi-Bon

Angela Davies

Crowe Horwath New Zealand Audit Partners

Bank of New Zealand Newmarket

Sport Auckland House

Level 4, Alexandra Park Function Centre

Greenlane West

Epsom

Ph: (09) 623 7980

Email: lisa@rugbyfoundation.nz

Footnote: When placed immediately before or after a person’s name, the cross indicates that the person is deceased †

Wayne Chapman & Charlie Riechelmann.

Nat Manville recognised by World Rugby for digitising valuable video footage for the NZ Rugby Museum. Pictured with his awesome family!

VIPs Nisi Vaili and Trevor Clarke and in the background Director Andrew Hall and VIP Grant Buchanan.

Our incredible Patron Sir Graham Henry with Black Ferns Co-captain Ruahei Demant.

Chair and CE’s Report

On behalf of The Rugby Foundation, it is our pleasure to present this Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023, our 37th year.

It is with much sadness that we acknowledged the passing of former Director and President Tane Norton and two VIPs, Alan Pullar and Richard Smaill. These three Cantabrians had such beautiful impacts on so many lives. Our thoughts will always remain with Jacqui, Barbra, Paulette and all their children, grandchildren, and many friends.

It is healthy to reflect critically on the achievements and progress made throughout this year.

Our role in the rugby eco-system is varied and we are humbled to be a part of it, and proud to make a difference and indeed the pivotal role sport plays. We are excited for the future.

This report is delivered via our pillars which have stood us in good stead.

Just a few weeks ago we met for a strategic planning day and our pillars still work well for us. The reset will set us up for the next few years.

Throughout the year we remained committed to our strategic priorities focusing on our core pillars.

• Support

• Prevention

• Advocacy

• Relationships

We stand on our Legacy and are driven by the focus of our financial sustainability and capacity i.e. Funding & Resource.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

We are pleased to report strong financial performance for the

2023 year which the Treasurer addresses in his report with steady revenue growth and control of expenditure.

SUPPORT HAS TWO DISTINCT ASPECTS:

1. Near Miss support

2. and VIP (Very Injured Players) permanent partnership support

Near Miss: support in the early days of injury and until the player makes a full recovery. When we say, “your son/daughter/ partner’s injury has been reported and I’m calling you to represent all of rugby. We are sorry to hear this has happened and your family will not go through this alone.”

In 2023, 84 serious injuries were reported, 59 of those were Near Miss and 12 files are still open.

A serious injury has a high threshold:

• A head or spinal injury, or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the player being admitted to hospital.

• An injury or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the death of a player during match play or rugby training.

• An injury that is expected to result in some permanent disability (e.g. loss of use of a limb, loss of an eye.)

SUMMARY OF INJURIES

There were some very serious accidents, and some players still have a way to go.

VIP Partnership: Our VIPs will always be our reason to be.

We welcome Una Tanginoa to the VIP family.

This is a one-on-one player’s partnership for life and is unique to each player and their family. Of the 117 players on file since records began in 1966, 18 have since passed and there are 99 VIPs currently. This is a true partnership and mature relationships have developed with time.

The average cost to the ACC over the life of a VIP varies, (from ACC February 2015,) $7.6m, most of rugby’s injuries are high level – the related costs can reach on average $16.5m over a lifetime.

In short, we have a grants system and we can cover aspects of support that ACC cannot.

• We love hosting our VIPs and try and get everyone together regionally at least once a year.

• We acknowledge that several VIPs have had torrid health issues and wish them all full health. We also acknowledge the incredible support of partners, families and carers.

ADVOCACY

We advocate strongly to ensure all VIPs receive the support they are entitled to.

We successfully challenged

ACC in the context of Pay Parity 2017 when agencies received an increase but individuals who employed their own care teams did not. This saw carers’ wages increase from $24ph to $36ph.

We have successfully challenged ACC on individuals’ weekly hours of support entitlement.

We help players navigate New Zealand’s health system.

We do not know until we discover that there is a need. If we don’t know the answer we will try and find it!

Thanks to John Miller Law and his expert team.

PREVENTION

NZR led the world in prevention programmes by creating RugbySmart with ACC in the early 2000s.

RugbySmart is a programme aimed at promoting player safety and reducing the risk of injuries in rugby. It provides guidelines and resources for coaches, referees, players, and administrators to ensure that the game is played in a safe and responsible manner.

RugbySmart has saved lives and millions of dollars.

Currently there are fewer spinal injuries and more head injuries. All round, due to improved reporting and education around concussion, we are seeing more injuries reported, which is excellent, indicating far greater awareness than in the past.

Every rugby player matters. Safety education/awareness is vital. “Don’t be brave, if you’re not right, go off!”

There are currently 147, 000 registered rugby players in New Zealand. Many thousands of people will have played rugby since records began in 1966. And since then, there have been 117 permanent life-changing injuries.

ACC figures show there are:

• about 130+ spinal cord impairments annually, …about one of which is attributed to rugby since safety awareness has been raised.

• approximately 160 traumatic brain injuries every year –we understand that there is only one related to rugby over the last five years, but ACC cannot release that number due to privacy.

• Most serious accidents happen at home, mountain biking, horse riding or diving into water.

The impact of RugbySmart.

84

CHAIR AND CE’S REPORT

Our Defibs in all New Zealand clubs continues. Our gratitude to the external funders who have made this possible and to Kelly Rarere who volunteers in assisting with delivering the allimportant project.

84 have been delivered to date.

RESEARCH THAT MATTERS

$310K invested to date. We have supported two key Research Projects (refer to Researchers’ reports on page 35 and 36):

See more at Research | NZ Rugby: https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/aboutnzr/policies-regulations-and-rules/ safety-and-welfare/concussion/ research/

COLLABORATION WITH NZR/NZRF & NZRPA

In 2023, our three organisations formed the Brain Health and Concussion Risk Management Working Group. The Group Purpose was to develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan in relation to the risks of Concussion and HAEs (Head Acceleration Events) in rugby over the next three years and agree guiding principles beyond this.

Our vision is:

Rugby is doing everything possible to keep every player as safe as possible from the risks of concussion.

COLLABORATION WITH TEN INTERNATIONAL COUNTERPART ORGANISATIONS

Initiated by us, The Rugby Foundation in 2015, meet biennially in person with six virtual meetings per annum. The workshop in June last year at Twickenham was excellent and we all left having had two great days of knowledge share. Much gratitude to all who attended.

Our Injured Player Charities

Working Group vision: To demonstrate a global commitment to the support of CI (Catastrophically Injured) rugby players and a collaborative approach to reducing the injury risk of rugby and enabling injured players to thrive.

Whilst I (Lisa) was in the UK I visited the Home – The Matt Hampson Foundation Get Busy Living Centre in Milford Mowbray which was inspiring and indeed aspirational for us! Thanks to Matt and Tommy for hosting us with our SA counterparts.

https:// matthampsonfoundation.org

BECAUSE WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

We have also loved exploring collaboration between likeminded organisations and look forward to strengthening ties. Thanks to the Neurological Foundation, Auckland University Brain Bank, All Blacks Experience, the NZ Rugby Museum, NZRPA, the NZ Spinal Trust and NZ Spinal Support, the Pacific Disability Trust, and NZ Wheelchair Rugby.

GOVERNANCE

At the The Rugby Foundation, we understand the importance of corporate governance and sustainability in driving long-term success and ‘stickability’. We continued to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in all our operations.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, fostering diversity and inclusion, and making a positive and joyful impact on the communities in which we operate.

Safety education/ awareness is vital.

“Don’t be brave, if you’re not right, go off!”

Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future despite many ongoing external economic and global uncertainties. We believe that our strong financial stewardship, lean and agile organisational structure and strategic initiatives will enable us to navigate well.

Thanks

Acknowledging these individuals who gave up their time to assist in various generous ways either on stage or as elements of auction items:

Scotty Stevenson

Dame Patsy Reedy

Daniel Carter

Ruahei Demant

Ali Williams

Laura McGoldrick

Hannah Porter

Melodie Robinson

Sir Bryan Williams

Sir Wayne Smith

Sir Graham Henry

Conrad Smith

Jeff Wilson

Josh Kronfield

Sir John Key

Al Brown

Phil Tautarangi

Ron Cribb

Charles Riechelmann

Maurice Trapp

Andy Dalton

The Rock – Morning Rumble team

Alternative Commentary Collective

NZ Harlequins Rugby Club

NZ Barbarian Rugby Club

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, fostering diversity and inclusion, and making a positive and joyful impact on the communities in which we operate.

CE’s note: I’d like to thank the many individuals at NZ Rugby whose support and collaboration is second to none. Thanks also to ACC recovery partners and staff who are unstintingly generous with time and knowledge. On a personal note thanks to our team, Ben, Valasi, Kaitlin, Jo, and Kelly; we’ve had fun and have shown courage and connection to perform in a myriad of situations. To Chair Andrew and our incredible Board, thank you for your leadership, guidance, support and commitment.

Chair’s note: I thank our Patrons Sir Graham Henry and Richie McCaw, President Andy Dalton and our life members for their continued support. I salute our incredible staff so well led by Lisa and all who go over and above in the work they do for the Rugby Foundation.

In September 2023 I became the transitional Chair for Northland Rugby so I’m very grateful for the support of the Board and especially our committee chairs

Mark, Melodie and Steve. On that note I also acknowledge the contribution from former Chair Gerard van Tilborg and the work he does on my behalf with the NZ Spinal Trust. To all our stakeholders from our VIPs and their families, our donors, NZR, our legal advisors Claymore Law, the NZ Spinal Trust and all who engage with The Rugby Foundation – thank you for your unconditional support.

Again, we extend our deepest thanks to our hard working and generous Directors, sponsors, partners, donors, to our Patrons Sir Graham Henry and Richie McCaw and to the staff and volunteers.

Finally, thanks to our VIPs and your families and carers for being your awesome selves.

Thank you for your trust and confidence.

Lisa Kingi-Bon Chief Executive, NZ Rugby Foundation Andrew Golightly Board Chair, NZ Rugby Foundation

Our staff

Lisa Kingi-Bon

Ben Sturmfels

Kaitlin Rose

Valasi Eves

Jo Thomas

International Rugby Charities Conference, Twickenham June 2023.

Treasurer’s Report

Financially 2023 was somewhat of a mixed year. While some recovery of international financial markets, and under the excellent stewardship of JB Were, saw a capital gain of around $280k on the investment fund, the core business activities resulted in a deficit of $63k. This was against a surplus of $82k in 2022 (not including the one-off capital distribution from NZ Rugby that year).

The economic pressures of a slowing economy and rising prices in 2023 made it difficult in respect of net revenue from key major fundraising events and also slowed the impetus from 2022 in the Taskforce Fundraising programmes. However, management were still able to produce sufficient revenue to keep the Foundation fairly close to what had been a pretty much break-even budget as we had foreseen 2023 being a difficult year financially as the economy was facing headwinds.

While investment in research projects was lower in 2023,

($40k v $140k in 2022), this was while the Board were seeking Research Projects that would align closely with the Foundation’s aims and certainly predicated around concussion and head injuries research. It will be reported elsewhere but some excellent projects are in line for funding in 2024. On the other hand, payments to injured players under our various grant schemes, and very much our core raison d’etre, were up at $415k against $387k in 2022. Board consideration of financial assistance for injured players remains very much a high priority for the Foundation. We do remain very grateful for continued support by NZ Rugby for the Foundation. At year end the Foundation remains in a strong financial position - with the investment fund having grown to just under $6.4 million. While challenges remain in fundraising and events the Board is confident that a sound budget is in place for 2024 to continue support where needed, and investment in crucial research. Lisa, Ben and their team are capable and effective and the Board works well as a team. During the year incoming Chair Andrew Golightly instigated a number of new sub-committees and this has proved effective. As Treasurer I chair the Business Committee and our meetings have been able to review core financial and operational policies and keep a close handle on financial matters. I am grateful for the excellent input of my sub-committee.

Finally sincere thanks to Lisa and her team, Andrew and my fellow Board members, for all their commitment and support of the Foundation as it continues to provide valuable service to safety and support of the game of Rugby.

Mark Peters FCA Treasurer, NZ Rugby Foundation

TOTAL TRADING INCOME

Performance Report 2023

New Zealand Rugby Foundation Incorporated

For the year ended 31 December 2023

EntityInformation

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated Fortheyearended31December2023

LegalNameofEntity

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated

EntityTypeandLegalBasis

IncorporatedSocietyandRegisteredCharity

RegistrationNumber

CC42547

Entity'sPurposeorMission

Simply,ourcorebusinessfocuseson:

1.Supportingcatastrophicallyinjuredrugbyplayersfinanciallyandemotionally,forlife;

2.Fundraisingactivities;

3.WorkingwithNewZealandRugbyandACCtocommunicatethemessageofsafetyfirst,advocatingsafeplay.

Ourfourcorepillarsare:

*Support

*Prevention

*Advocacy

*Relationships

Directors

AndrewGolightly(Chair)

MelodieRobinson(DeputyChair)

MarkPeters(Treasurer)

RowenaDavenport(NZRRepresentative)

AliWiliiams

AndrewHall

DavidLatta

DrJohnMayhewONZM

GrahamMourieMBE

HannahPorter

SteveMorris

HeidiBeech

SimonTremain

TeinaBoyd

Officers

AndyDalton(President)

SirGrahamHenryKNZM(Patron)

RichieMcCawONZ(Patron)

MainSourcesofEntity'sCashandResources

ThemajorityofrevenuehasbeenreceivedfromourannualNewZealandRugbygrantandGamingfunding,withtheremainder throughfundraisingevents,capitalinvestmentsandsponsorshipinkind.

MainMethodsUsedbyEntitytoRaiseFunds

Fundraisingactivitiesincludeanannualluncheonwhichhasoccuredsince1987,ourfirstyearofoperation.

WearethenominatedcharityatanumberofeventsthroughoutNewZealand,wherewereceivesignificantdonations.Wehave regularapplicationstoCommunityandGamingTrusts. RelationshipmanagementwithcommercialsponsorsandNewZealandRugby.

Entity'sRelianceonVolunteersandDonatedGoodsorServices

Wereceivedgovernancesupportfromvolunteers. Wereceiveddonatedgoodsandserviceswhichassistinthesuccessfulrunningofourfundraisingevents.

ContactDetails

Level4,AlexandraParkFunctionCentre,Epsom,Auckland POBox26599,Epsom,Auckland

Phone: 096237900

www.rugbyfoundation.nz office@rugbyfoundation.nz

ApprovalofFinancialReport

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated Fortheyearended31December2023

TheDirectorsarepleasedtopresenttheapprovedfinancialreportincludingthehistoricalfinancialstatementsofNewZealand RugbyFoundationIncorporatedforyearended31December2023.

APPROVED

AndrewGolightly

Chair

Date.....................................

Mark Peters FCA

Treasurer

Date

StatementofServicePerformance

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated Fortheyearended31December2023

DescriptionofEntity'sOutcomes

ProvideastrongsupportiveandpartnershiporientatedVeryInjuredPlayer(VIP)community.WeaimtopartnerwithourVIPsin reachingtheirgoals,includingthemintherugbycommunityandenablingtheirlifeopportunities.

18VIPhavepassedawaysincerecordsbeganin1966.

*  84reportedofwhich59weretrueNearMiss +Oneplayerpassedawayonthefieldofacardiacarrest.

THREE YEAR DATA ANALYSIS

TotalnumberofVIPssincerecordsbegan

ThisstatementshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththefollowingStatementofAccountingPoliciesandNotestothePerformanceReport.

StatementofFinancialPerformance

StatementofFinancialPosition

StatementofCashFlows

StatementofAccountingPolicies

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated Fortheyearended31December2023

1.BasisofPreparation

NewZealandRugbyFoundationIncorporated(TheFoundation)haselectedtoapplyPBESFR-A(NFP)PublicBenefitEntity SimpleFormatReporting-Accrual(Not-For-Profit)onthebasisthatitdoesnothavepublicaccountabilityandhastotalannual expensesequaltoorlessthan$2,000,000.AlltransactionsinthePerformanceReportarereportedusingtheaccrualbasisof accounting.ThePerformanceReportispreparedundertheassumptionthattheentitywillcontinuetooperateinthe foreseeablefuture.

1.1GoodsandServicesTax(GST)

TheFoundationisregisteredforGST.Allamountsarestatedexclusiveofgoodsandservicestax(GST)exceptforaccounts payableandaccountsreceivablewhicharestatedinclusiveofGST.

1.2IncomeTax

NewZealandRugbyFoundationInciswhollyexemptfromNewZealandincometaxhavingfullycompliedwithallstatutory conditionsfortheseexemptions.

1.3BankAccountsandCash

BankaccountsandcashintheStatementofCashFlowscomprisecashbalancesandbankbalances(includingshortterm deposits)withoriginalmaturitiesof90daysorless.

1.4Revenue

Revenuereceivedfromdonationsisaccountedforonacashbasisbecausethegeneralnatureofthisincomeisnotcertainuntil itisreceived.

Grantrevenueisrecognisedwhentheconditionsattachedtotherevenuehasbeencompliedwith.Wherethereareunfulfilled conditionsattachedtothatgrant,theamountrelatingtotheunfulfilledconditionisrecognisedasaliabilityandreleasedto incomeastheconditionsarefulfilled.

RevenuereceivedfromprofessionalfundraisersisaccountedforonanetbasisastheFoundationdoesnotincurnorisliablefor theexpenditure.

1.5SponsorshipinKind

TheFoundationreceivesdonateditemsforauctionandevents,butthevalueisnotcertainuntilthesale,thereforetherevenue isrecognisedwhentheitemissold.

1.6AccountsReceivable

AccountsReceivablearestatedattheirestimatedrealisablevalue.

1.7Investments

TheFoundationhaselectedtoaccountforshareinvestmentsinaccordancewithPBEIPSAS29FinancialInstruments: RecognitionandMeasurementandrecogniseshareinvestmentsatfairvalue.

Thefairvalueoftheshareinvestmentshasbeendeterminedbyreferencetotheirquotesatreportingdate.Shareinvestments arepubliclytradedontheNewZealandandoverseasmarkets.Gainsandlossesarerecordedviainvestmentrevaluation. FixedInterestInvestmentsarecarriedatcost.

1.8AccountsPayable

AccountsPayablearerecordedattheamountofcashrequiredtosettlethoseliabilities.

1.9FunctionalandPresentationalCurrency

AllbalanceswithinthesefinancialstatementsarestatedinNewZealanddollars($).Amountsareroundedtothenearestdollar.

1.10Inventory

Inventoryisstatedatthelowerofcost,determinedona"first-in-first-out"basis,andnetrealisablevalue.

1.11FixedAssets

AllowneditemsofFurnitureandFittingsareinitiallyrecordedatcost,anddepreciatedusingDiminishingValueasoutlined below:

-OfficeFurnitureandEquipment11.4%to60%

-Website60%

-MotorVehicle20%

Whereanitemoffurnitureorequipmentisdisposedof,thegainorlossisrecognisedintheStatementofFinancialPerformance andiscalculatedasthedifferencebetweenthenetsalepriceandthecarryingvalueoftheasset.

1.12ForeignExchangeMovements

TransactionsinforeigncurrenciesaretranslatedtoNZDatthesettlementrate.Monetaryassetsandliabilitiesdenominatedin foreigncurrenciesintheStatementofFinancialPositionaretranslatedtoNZDattheforeignexchangeraterulingatthatdate. ForeignexchangedifferencesarisingontheirtranslationarerecognisedintheStatementofFinancialPerformance.

1.13ChangesinAccountingPolicies

Therehavebeennochangesinaccountingpolicies.Policieshavebeenappliedonaconsistentbasiswiththoseoftheprevious reportingperiod.

NotestothePerformanceReport

7.BreakdownofReserves

Inthe1987AnnualReport"ThesuccessoftheFoundationhasbeenassuredbythegenerousparticipationofGoodmanFielder WattieLimitedcontractingtothesumof$1million."ThePresident'sreportcontinues,ItisthepolicyoftheFoundationnotto dissipateit'sfundsbuttoprovideanysupportfromfundincome."

Fundingagreementof2000,andafurthervariationin2003.Thefundingagreementstates;"Thefundingberetainedasacapital sumsothattheFoundationmayonlyexpendincomeearnedfromtheinvestmentofthefunding."

8.Commitments

2023

2022

VehicleLease TheFoundationleasesavehiclethroughNewZealandRugby, theagreementmaybeterminatedwith30days'notice 655

9.ContingentLiabilitiesandGuarantees

Therearenocontingentliabilitiesorguaranteesasat31December2023(Lastyear-nil).

10.GoodsorServicesProvidedtotheEntityinKind

11.RelatedParties

TheFoundationhavearesponsibilitytocoordinatewithNewZealandRugbyingivingeffecttotheobjectivesoftheFoundation. Tomonitorthis,RowenaDavenport,aDirectorofNewZealandRugbyisalsoaDirectorofthisFoundation.

12.EventsAftertheBalanceDate

TherewerenoeventsthathaveoccurredafterthebalancedatethatwouldhaveamaterialimpactonthePerformanceReport (Lastyear-nil).

13.AbilitytoContinueOperating

Theentitywillcontinuetooperatefortheforeseeablefuture.

14.NZRCapitalDistribution(one-off)

Theadditionalgrantof$400,000receivedfromNewZealandRugbywasaspecialandgenerousoneoffdistributionrelatedto NewZealandRugby’sfinancialequityarrangementswithSilverLakein2022. Thereisnosimilartransactionin2023.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Board of Management of New Zealand Rugby Foundation Incorporated

Opinion

We have audited the performance report of New Zealand Rugby Foundation Incorporated (the Incorporated Society) which comprise the financial statements on pages 19 to 30, the statement of service performance on page 18 and the entity information on pages 15 to 16. The complete set of financial statements comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2023, and the statement of financial performance and statement of cash flows for the year ended, and the statement of accounting policies and other explanatory information.

In our opinion, the accompanying performance report presents fairly, in all material respects:

▪ the entity information as at 31 December 2023;

▪ the financial position of the Incorporated Society as at 31 December 2023, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended ; and

▪ the service performance of the Incorporated Society for the year ended 31 December 2023 in accordance with the entity’s service performance criteria

in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Simple Format Reporting – Accrual (Not-For-Profit) issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit of the financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)), and the audit of the entity information and statement of service performance in accordance with the ISAs (NZ) and New Zealand Auditing Standard (NZ AS) 1 The Audit of Service Performance Information Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Performance Report section of our report. We are independent of the Incorporated Society in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Our firm provides taxation services to the Incorporated Society. The firm has no other relationship with, or interests in, the Incorporated Society

Board of Management’s Responsibilities for the Performance Report

The Board of Management are responsible on behalf of the Incorporated Society for:

(a) the preparation and fair presentation of the entity information, financial statements and statement of service performance in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Simple Format Reporting – Accrual (Not-For-Profit) issued by the New Zealand Accounting Stan dards Board;

(b) service performance criteria that are suitable in order to prepare service performance information in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Simple Format Reporting – Accrual (Not-For-Profit); and

(c) such internal control as the Board of Management determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements and statement of service performance that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the performance report, the Board of Management are responsible for assessing the Incorporated Society ’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Management either intend to liquidate the Incorporated Society or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Performance Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the entity information, financial statements as a whole, and the statement of service performance are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) and NZ AS 1 will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of this performance report

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (NZ) and NZ AS 1, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

▪ Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the entity information, the financial statements and the statement of service performance, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

▪ Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit of the entity information, the financial statements and the statement of service performance in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the pu rpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Incorporated Society’s internal control.

▪ Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

▪ Obtain an understanding of the process applied by the entity to select what and how to report its service performance.

▪ Evaluate whether the service performance criteria are suitable so as to result in service performance information that is in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Simple Format Reporting – Accrual (Not-For-Profit)

▪ Conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting by the Board of Management and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncerta inty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Incorporated Society ’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the performance report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Incorporated Society to cease to continue as a going concern.

▪ Evaluate the overall presentation, s tructure and content of the performance report, including the disclosures, and whether the performance report represent s the underlying transactions , events and service performance in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with the Board of Management regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Restriction on Use

This report is made solely to the Board of Management, as a body. Our audit has been undertaken so that we might state to the Board of Management those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Incorporated Society and the Board of Management as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Crowe New Zealand Audit Partnership CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Dated at Auckland this 28th day of March 2024

Kerrin Tilley with his beautiful piece of Richie McCaw.

Kerrin Tilley at work.

Phil Booth's invention: The cycle hand simulator.

Eighty-four defibrillators delivered to clubs across the motu. Our grateful thanks to Kelly Rarere (left) who is volunteering to support us with this work. Pictured with Jo Thomas, casual employee team members who supports Ben with events delivery.

Donated a cycle simulator to Burwood, invented by the incredible Phil Booth and Paul Quinn.

Phil Booth and Paul Quinn in action.

Research that matters

We have supported two key Research Projects:

The Concussion Management Pathway (NZRF and ACC)

The Kumanu Tāngata: The Health Impacts of Playing Rugby (NZRF and WR)

Read more about it here: https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/aboutnzr/policies-regulations-and-rules/ safety-and-welfare/concussion/ research/

$310K INVESTED TO DATE

RESEARCH THAT MATTERS

New Zealand Rugby Concussion Management Pathway – Update & Summary

by Janelle Romanchuck. NZR Concussion Research Scientist

The Concussion Management Pathway (CMP) seeks growth and sustainability while enhancing player support. Qualitative research funded by the NZ Rugby Foundation has been crucial for understanding experiences, challenges, and successes since 2019, especially in addressing non-disclosure of concussions among players, influenced by a “warrior mentality” and lack of awareness, particularly among marginalized groups.

Recent data analysis from 2022 indicates positive shifts in player attitudes toward reporting concussions. However, challenges persist, including dissatisfaction

with the “If in doubt, sit them out” strategy, leading to hesitancy among some players to disclose symptoms without certainty about their condition. Diverse perspectives exist on the severity of concussion-related issues, influenced by public perception and former players disclosing long-term health consequences. Balancing these perspectives is essential, requiring education to ensure player safety without undue emphasis on risks.

Participants appreciate NZR’s support but suggest additional resources for unions to expand CMP effectively. Key recommendations include dedicated roles in each union for concussion management, engaging various stakeholders, improving GP access, and prioritizing concussion education for players, parents, and coaches. Flexibility in mandatory stand periods also warrants discussion.

Diverse perspectives exist on the severity of concussion-related issues, influenced by public perception and former players disclosing long-term health consequences.

In summary, this ongoing research has provided valuable insights into CMP effectiveness and challenges, highlighting the need for continued education, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure comprehensive concussion management and player welfare.

For further details on the research conducted as part of the CMP, links to the publications are provided on our website.

Go-pro being fitted by Janelle Romanchuck, NZR Concussion Research Scientist, on the referee to understand what is happening from their POV with respect to safety, injury prevention and injury management. SUPPLIED / NEW ZEALAND RUGBY

RESEARCH THAT MATTERS

Kumanu Tāngata: The AfterMatch Project –Unravelling the Health Effects of High-Level Rugby

by Ken Quarrie PhD, NZR Chief Scientist

Rugby is a sport played by millions, and followed by many millions more, yet its long-term health impacts remain largely unknown. Kumanu Tāngata, the AfterMatch Project, is seeking to shed light the impacts of the sport on players’ health beyond the final whistle.

The name itself tells a tale. It comes from the Māori phrase “He Tukutuku Raraunga he kumanu tāngata”, which blends the concept of cherishing something special (our people!), with weaving together the multiple statistics that mark an individual’s journey through their life. It’s about more than just the physical and mental; it’s about the social fabric, the camaraderie that binds players and communities together.

The Kumanu Tāngata project involves researchers from New Zealand, Australia, and the Netherlands, who together bring a mix of expertise across sports injuries, clinical medicine, and public health. The project is funded by World Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, with the project being managed by Dr Ken Quarrie of NZ Rugby and Dr Stephanie D’Souza of the University of Auckland.

Injuries in rugby are no secret, but the true extent of the risks associated with playing the sport, especially in later life, remains unclear. We know that there is concern about concussions and their potential links to depression, anxiety, and even dementia. But how big are the issues? And what

about the broader picture? Does playing rugby extend or shorten lives? Does it enhance or diminish quality of life? These are the questions driving our research. Our method? A retrospective cohort study, a fancy term for using data that have already been collected to look back at the health outcomes of groups of people over time. We’re digging into the New Zealand Rugby Register compiled by Clive Akers and health records housed in New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure to compare the health outcomes of former highlevel rugby players with a matched general population group. The players’ careers fell between 1950 and 2000, with follow-up for health conditions spanning the period from 1988 to 2018.

We have already published one paper from the study, with the second well through peer-review process. The first, the protocol paper, outlines the study’s rationale and methodology, focusing on comparing health outcomes of 12,861 first-class male rugby players with 2,385,300 individuals from the general population, matched for age, ethnicity, and birthplace. Cox proportional hazards models are used to assess risks of

Injuries in rugby are no secret, but the true extent of the risks associated with playing the sport, especially in later life, remains unclear.

neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic physical conditions, and mental health outcomes.

The second paper, focussed on neurodegenerative diseases, reports a small to moderate increase in neurodegenerative disease risk among rugby players compared to the general population. By the end of the follow-up period, 3.9% of the general population, and 4.7% of players, had developed or died from neurodegenerative diseases.

Put another way, around 20 of the former players per year are being identified as having or dying from a neurodegenerative disease.

Given the rate in the general population we would be expecting to see about 17 per year. The paper also notes that there was little difference in the median age of onset of neurodegenerative conditions between rugby players and the general population, with no indication that players from the period studied have higher rates of early onset dementia.

We know, though, that rugby in the professional era from 1996 onwards represents a very different sport to that played in the 1950s through to the 1980s, so we have been urging a precautionary approach to reduce the number of high-speed collisions and head impacts that occur in the sport.

While we can’t predict the future, we’re working to ensure that the risks of playing rugby are as well-understood as possible and managed based on solid evidence. With your support, we’re one step closer to ensuring the health and well-being of rugby players, today and in the future.

Josh McGeown PhD, Director,Dr John Mayhew MD, Chair Andrew Golightly & Ken Quarrie PhD.

Our 2023 Miraculous Superheroes – Shaheen and Adrian. Shaheen Amod, Harry Lole, Sir Bryan Williams and Adrian Lole.

Thanks to Kendall Ackhurst (who lives in London) for attending the International Rugby Charities workshop with Lisa Kingi-Bon.

At the Black Tie dinner 2023.

Support the New Zealand Rugby Foundation through leaving a gift in your Will

Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the many ways you can support New Zealand Rugby Foundation to continue this vitally important work. This lasting legacy, named in honour of All Black great and Foundation cofounder Kel Tremain, will make a real difference to reducing the impact of rugby injuries in Aotearoa both now and for generations to come.

Gifts left to the Foundation in your Will or via your Family Trust can be directed to any area you choose, or left open and directed to where the need is greatest. Many of our donors choose to leave a sum of money, however property, insurances, investments and other assets can also be gifted.

Your gift, whatever the size, will ensure that we can continue to support seriously injured players, and their whānau, for the duration of their lives. Your gift will help us achieve our vision of zero serious injuries in rugby.

If you decide you would like to leave a gift to NZRF, you may

first want to discuss your wishes with your immediate family and/or those close to you. We strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice when writing or altering your Will, codicil or Family Trust/Inheritance Trust beneficiaries list.

We would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about how to leave a gift in your will to NZRF and how it will be used. If you would like to talk to us, please contact office@ rugbyfoundation.nz

You can also pass this information on to your solicitor or financial advisor or have them contact the NZRF directly.

AGM 2023 team photo – Board and guests.

Stelios Meimaris, Nick Blincoe, Darrell Manville, Lois Gaono, Nat Maville, Malala Gaono and Leann Meimaris at the Black Friday Lunch.

John Cocker, Siaosi Vaili, Lisa Kingi-Bon, Loia Gaono, Nisi Vaili and Malala Gaono.

Brenda, Anette, Nisi and PJ Vaili.

Ross Ormsby at RWC.

At the All Black v Springbok Test 2023.

Grant Sharman and his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary cruise.

Murphy

Toko

Mark

Footnote: When placed immediately before or after a person’s name, the cross indicates that the person is deceased †

We dedicate this annual report to the following who have passed away in 2023

ALAN PULLAR

On April 11, 2023, Alan passed away peacefully at home, aged 77. He was surrounded by his wife Barbra, daughters Jess and Emilie, and sons-in-law Chris and Dave. His grandchildren Olivia and Grace were also never far from his thoughts. Alan had an impact on many people’s lives with his quick wit and determination in overcoming life’s obstacles, inspiring many with his poignant words “I said to myself don’t look back, otherwise I won’t go forward.”

Alan was injured in 1966, the NZ Rugby Foundation’s VIP #1.

“He was always thinking, always an ideas man. Entrepreneurial.”

(credit The Press, link below*) He spun it into his own private storage business, Safestore Storage, which expanded to five centres in Christchurch. Pullar sold the business to National Storage in 2015.

For his successes, it could be hard to imagine the 20-year-old Pullar, whose family came from humble means, getting a fair start to his adult life. His injury preceded the establishment of ACC.

He led the way for so many who followed in the get busy living way.

Alan was injured in 1966, the NZ Rugby Foundation’s VIP #1.

* https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/nz-news/350010466/oldest-survivor-of-rugby-relatedspinal-injury-remembered-as-an-inspiration

RICHARD SMAILL

Richard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends in Christchurch, on May 30, 2023, aged 64 years. Richard was a respected and cherished husband and soulmate of Paulette; treasured and nurturing father of Timothy, and Jessica. Born in Balclutha as the youngest child of the late Charles (Charlie) and Gertrude (Trudi) Smaill, much loved brother of Eleanor, Charles, Ainslie, Roger, and the late Geoffrey. A valued brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin to his extended family.

VIP #5 Rich quietly mentioned his gratitude to be injured shortly after the ACC was inaugurated on 1 April 1974. He always acknowledged those before him, and led the way for those who came after him. This is the full link on our website:

https://www.rugbyfoundation .nz/newsarticle/131507?

newsfeedId=1734984

And a beautiful tribute to him by the NZ Spinal Trust:

https://www.yumpu.com/en/ document/read/68467005/ snn-august-2023-issue-web3)

Alan Pullar with his family, including daughters Jess (left) and Emilie (right), and wife Barbra (middle). SUPPLIED / THE-PRESS

RANGITANE WILL NORTON

On August 4, 2023, at Parklands Retirement Village, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Aged 81 years. Dearly loved and loving husband of Jacqui. Much loved father and father-in-law of Andrew and Jane, John and Bridget, Richard and Miwa, and Chris and Natasha. A loving and caring Grandad of William and Lydia, Olivia and Jack, Luke and Joe; Ruby, Tane, and Charlie; Lucy and Leni, and greatgrandson Fergus.

Tane was born at Waikari in 1942, he first represented Mid Canterbury at provincial level, before debuting at hooker for Canterbury in 1969. He was first selected for the All Blacks against the British Lions in 1971 and appeared 27 times for his country, captaining them to a series victory over the Lions in 1977.

After retiring, Norton remained active in rugby circles as a coach and administrator for Linwood and also served as NZRU President from 2003 until 2005. As president and life member of Linwood, a life member of Canterbury Rugby He was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby in the 2006 New Year Honours.

Tane joined the NZ Rugby Foundation Board in 1999. He retired in 2018. He was our President from 2014 when he succeeded Sir John Graham Tane has been the sole Rugby Foundation representative in

Christchurch. The hours that he has given are countless.

We have a cohort 13 out the 117 Injured Players who were injured in Christchurch. Tane is so loved by all of them.

He was a well-known figure at the Burwood Spinal Unit and was often the first face a player of his family saw when they found themselves in this awful position. He has this gentle and caring demeanor that has comforted many families over the years.

His name is littered in Board Minutes over the years. It was very often in the context of banging the drum for law changes in the scrum which in those years is where all the accidents occurred. There have been none in the scrum since 2011. Tane had a lot to do with influencing those changes.

Thank you Tane, on behalf of all our Injured Players, our Staff, our Board and all of Rugby for your incredible service to the New Zealand Rugby Foundation

Tane pictured with Billy Bush.

Maurice Trapp, Richie Guy, Colin Gibbons, Simon Tremain, Tane Norton, Rocky Patterson and Andy Leslie.

President, Tane Norton, pictured with the late Sir Colin Meads, patron at the time.

We care, advocate for and champion the safety of all players in the game we love.

Commitment Courage Compassion Connection