For tamariki and rangatahi who are neurodivergent or living with a disability, participating and finding a sense of belonging in sport and recreation can be challenging. For Cam, a young participant in the Hawke’s Bay with an invisible disability, contact sports always seemed out of reach, despite wanting to be part of a team and to experience the joy of sport.  

After discovering Sense Rugby a year ago, Cam has become a regular attendee at sessions, making the most of the inclusive environment. He says that it “finally makes him feel like he belongs in sport”.  

This kind of feedback is precisely what Sense Rugby Board Member and former General Manager Erin Rayner says the programme is all about. Launched in July 2020, Sense Rugby’s mission is to create a place where every child belongs and can share the joy of movement.   

Developed by occupational therapists, Sense Rugby teaches important life skills like regulating emotions and socialising using rugby-based activities. These activities are customised to fit each participant's needs and learning pace.  

Sport NZ’s Disability Inclusion Fund has supported Sense Rugby over the last 3 years. This support has enabled them to build their capability, offer more programmes around the country and create a brand that reflects the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. Rayner describes the impact of the Disability Inclusion Fund as “pretty life-changing”. 

“Through the Disability Inclusion Fund, we have established better systems, policies, and governance, strengthening our organisational foundation and setting the stage for the sustainable growth of our programmes. 

“It has also played a massive role in expanding our regional programmes, so we’re actively reaching more young people across the country. Our goal was to establish 2 to 3 new locations each year. We achieved that goal, which was amazing, and we’re about to launch our 15th location in the coming months,” says Rayner. 

 

The expansion of the programmes has also helped the disabled young people taking part develop their leadership skills, with some participants moving into coaching and facilitator roles. 

Zac, a participant, volunteer and junior coach for the Hawke’s Bay Sense Rugby programme, enjoys working with his mates, holding tackle bags and helping the little kids enjoy rugby.  

“I like seeing everyone have fun - the kids, the mums and dads, and I feel really cool with my Sense Rugby shirt on. I love Saturday mornings because I get to go to Sense Rugby,” says Zac. 

“Watching their trajectory from being part of the programme to learning about coach education at school and then coming back to help us deliver the programmes has been incredible. It’s important to us that they have those opportunities and we’re committed to continuing to promote them in the future,” says Raynor. 

The Disability Inclusion Fund has also had another welcome impact – the support from Sport NZ in connecting with other disability sport organisations and facilitating opportunities for collaboration.  

Working alongside organisations like the Halberg Foundation and Special Olympics has raised Sense Rugby’s profile and increased participation through expanded networks of participants, volunteers and resources.  

Sense Rugby will continue deepening its impact by expanding into more regions, strengthening community connections and working towards a future where every disabled child feels a sense of belonging and thrives through sport.