Rugby: Playing numbers increase

The number of rugby players in New Zealand increased 4 per cent this year, the New Zealand Rugby Union said today.

The total of 145,472 players registered this year with the 26 provincial unions was 5193 more than last year.

NZRU community rugby general manager Brent Anderson said one of the biggest increases came in the under-13 age group, where numbers grew 6 per cent.

He said this was a positive sign that rugby was continuing to have an important place in New Zealand communities.

"Following last year's small increase, this year's 4 per cent increase is great news after a year of many challenges," he said.

"The increase is a testament to the initiatives in the community rugby plan and the ongoing hard work of our provincial unions to deliver the game to their communities."

Anderson said children were taking the opportunity to enter the game through the Small Blacks and Rippa Rugby programmes.

The figures also show that player numbers were down 1 per cent in the 13 to 20 age group, but up 4 per cent for the over-21s.

"This highlights the ongoing need to focus on teenagers, given the choices they now have," Anderson said.

"The increase in players aged 21 and over is great news for clubs around the country."

He also pointed to the 23 per cent jump in registered administrators and volunteers to 6458.

"Rugby at the community level has had a very strong feel about it this year, reflected in the reports of increased interest and spectators at schools and club games, and evidenced by the pleasing increase in numbers," he said.

"What is important now is that we build on this growth to ensure rugby at all levels is strong, positive and continuing to give New Zealanders a great experience."

Coaching numbers rose three per cent to 10,557, but refereeing stocks fell 6 per cent to 2255 officials this year.

- NZPA