Source: ChildFund New Zealand
ChildFund is proud to be the global social impact partner for World Rugby, via its partner, ChildFund Rugby. This gives ChildFund designated rights across Rugby World Cup 2027 and Rugby World Cup 2029.
“ChildFund donors across New Zealand, and our staff in New Zealand and the Pacific were thrilled to see the ChildFund brand at the All Blacks game on Saturday” says CEO of ChildFund New Zealand, Josie Pagani.
“This is a multi-year partnership that uses the values embedded in rugby to promote leadership and career pathways for children in some of the poorest communities across the globe,” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund Rugby is led by ChildFund Australia on behalf of the ChildFund Alliance; a global network of ten organisations, including New Zealand, that reaches about 36 million children in more than 60 countries.
It works across major tournaments and through local Rugby Unions and clubs around the world, to translate rugby values into life-changing outcomes for children and young people in vulnerable communities.
This programme aims to reach and empower 500,000 young people worldwide by 2030.
“Values like integrity, passion, teamwork, discipline and respect define the game and are also the qualities of leadership in any area of life.
“Through rugby-based programmes, like Pass it Back, and Grassroots to Global, children and teenagers across the world and in our own region of the Pacific, learn essential life skills, like decision-making, and how to manage emotions. Their confidence grows, and they are supported to access education and employment,” says Josie Pagani.
Ambassadors from around the world support the initiative – from DJ Forbes, Rikki Swannell, and Mere Baker in New Zealand to USA superstar Ilona Maher.
“It’s not just about the game – it’s about confidence, courage, and trying new things”, said DJ Forbes.
“Evidence shows that this not only improves schoolwork but also sets these kids up for life in the workforce, even leadership roles in community or business.”
Grassroot to Global also expanded the number of young women in community coaching as part of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025’s goal of reducing the gender gap in rugby.
“This is just one of the ways ChildFund works across sectors, with businesses, sporting institutions and governments, to give children the best opportunities in life, no matter where they are born,” says Josie Pagani.
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