New Zealand Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Players Association announce new Collective Agreement from 2026 to 2028

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (RPA) have settled on a new three-year Collective Employment Agreement for professional rugby in New Zealand from 2026 to 2028.  

To be referred to as a Partnership Agreement moving forward, the settlement terms reinforce a commitment between NZR and the Players to drive excellence on and off the field, while providing significant ongoing investment in player retention, and the long-term wellbeing and personal development of people. It reflects the parties’ belief that world-leading individual and collective performance is built when individuals are empowered and supported across every dimension of their lives.

Following a comprehensive and collaborative negotiation process involving the NZR Board, Provincials Unions, Super Rugby Clubs and the RPA, the agreement will come into effect from 1 January 2026 through until 31 December 2028.  

Players will continue to receive 36.56 percent of NZR Player Generated Revenue over the term.

Highlights of the new Partnership Agreement include: 

• Increased annual investment for player retention, personal development, education, financial planning and player health and safety.
• The continuation of fundamental workstreams where NZR, the RPA, Provincial Unions and Super Rugby Clubs will continue to work together to agree the Strategy for Rugby in NZ; review and agree the terms related to the ongoing investment of New Zealand Rugby Commercial (NZRC); and agree the regional high performance delivery models that underpin professional player pathways and rugby competitions in NZ.
• The allocation of the Player Payment Pool to ensure all professional players receive either additional player payments and/or benefits.
• New selection fees for the All Blacks, Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens for players assembled to play test matches and tournaments.
• Additional payments based on length of service for Sevens, in Super Rugby Pacific and for NPC players.
• A new Super Rugby Aupiki contracting model with Aupiki hub-based players being paid $25,000 campaign only players being paid $20,000.
• Expansion of the medical, life and trauma insurance cover to include Aupiki Hub and Campaign contracted Players.
• A new scholarship fund for players to be co-designed by NZR and the parties will provide up to $500,000 of scholarship payments in 2026 and $1m per year in 2027 and 2028.

NZR Interim CEO Steve Lancaster said of the new agreement:

“Our professional players are a huge factor in the success of our business and our game at every level. It’s critical that we are aligned with the RPA and act together in the best interests of our game and its stakeholders, and this new partnership reflects that commitment.

“We are incredibly proud of the environments and support we offer to our players through our Provincial Unions, Super Rugby Clubs and national teams. This agreement strengthens our ability to retain and develop players through our pathways, but also to safeguard their welfare and set them up for success when their playing days come to a conclusion.

“It’s particularly pleasing to increase the investment in the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and Super Rugby Aupiki, and to commit to a greater connection between our professional players and the wider rugby community.”

RPA CEO Rob Nichol said the new Partnership Agreement was an influential turning point.

“This Partnership is a powerful and progressive agreement that reflects a commitment between the players and those who govern and administer the game to work together to deliver on the strategy for the rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand. We want to see it support the long-term health and successful performance of the sport. The Partnership delivers significant investment in the personal development and education, retention and long-term support of our professional players. It will position us well in a constantly evolving and competitive landscape.

“We acknowledge all those who play, coach, officiate and support rugby at all levels and the leadership of New Zealand Rugby, the Super Rugby clubs, Provincial Unions and other key stakeholders in our game. For us to balance the realities of a global professional sport with the needs of our community game is our ongoing challenge, and opportunity. This Partnership demonstrates a collective willingness to meet that challenge together, and in the best interests of rugby in New Zealand.”