Our support is enduring. It is “for life” for our players. Therefore, our capital fund is vital for the future. VIP Semisi Naiqara and his family. • The Brain Health Working Group was created in December 2022. The New Zealand Rugby Foundation, New Zealand Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association have collaborated to establish best practices for managing concussion risks in rugby. Like any contact sport, rugby carries the risk of injury, but we believe our game can be played safely without compromising the competitive element or spectacle. The Brain Health and Concussion plan sets out our collective actions to keep every player as safe as possible from concussion risks. The plan outlines initiatives that New Zealand Rugby will deliver over the next three years, and these initiatives will be reviewed annually to ensure we remain at the forefront of this rapidly developing area. The plan is centred on five key focus areas injury prevention, training and education, injury management, research and monitoring, and communication. New Zealand Rugby unveils comprehensive Concussion Risk Management Plan • The board has driven a review of who we are and what we do. This will be launched at the AGM on 9 April 2025 in Auckland after an extensive process that will provide a clear roadmap for the future. It included internal and broad external stakeholder consultation, ensuring that our future direction is aligned with the needs and expectations of our stakeholders. • We have supported two Research projects: Kumanu Tāngata: The AfterMatch Project and Brain Recovery and Preparedness in Adolescents using Imaging after a Rugby season (Brain-RePAIR) update. (Please refer to pages 40 & 41) • We were part of seven fundraising events in a very tough economic climate. Two were our own and we are grateful to Massey, the Centurions, and Harlequins for including us at their annual events, as well as Whanganui Rugby Union and Active Building Management. Our own events were the Patron’s Black-Tie Dinner and the Annual Eden Park Pre-Test Luncheon. Fundraising event income for the year totalled over $520,000.00. • 78 grants and services provided to our cohort, including various aspects, from garden maintenance, crucial home maintenance, Higher education, sports pursuits and professional development. • Standout highlight: When a player defies all medical odds! On 5 September, Semisi Naiqara suffered a lifechanging TBI. He was playing for Wesley College 1st XV vs. Liston College. Surgery occurred that night, and the medical prognosis was dire. Essentially, they prepared the family ‘for the worst’. His life support was switched off, and he continued to breathe independently for two days. On 21 October, he was discharged from Auckland Hospital to the excellent ABI facility in Ranui. Well, this beautiful young man still surprises everyone daily. Promising signs of progress fill his family, friends, and teammates with optimism. So, we have VIP #118. In time Semisi will get back to school. Time is wonderful, but nothing is stronger than the human spirit in whatever way it shows up. There is much hope, and much need for support. We acknowledge and thank our VIP whānau, Schools, Clubs, Provincial Unions, New Zealand Rugby, our wonderful sponsors, suppliers and donors. Because we are better together! A special note of thanks to our Staff and Board for their contribution to ensure the ongoing legacy of the Rugby Foundation. Lisa Kingi-Bon Chief Executive, NZ Rugby Foundation Andrew Golightly Board Chair, NZ Rugby Foundation NEW ZEALAND RUGBY FOUNDATION INC. CC42547 9
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