CHAIR AND MANAGEMENT’S REPORT CONT’D Annual General Meeting team photo 9 April 2025. and confidence in the clarity of its future direction. MANAGEMENT’S PERSPECTIVE – DELIVERY AND IMPACT While the Board provides stewardship and strategic direction, the work of the NZRF is carried out through the relationships we maintain with players and their whānau. During the year, many VIPs faced complex health challenges, including significant medical interventions and ongoing care needs. Our role is to walk alongside them, providing tailored support, trusted advocacy, and connection with others who understand their journey. Several VIPs sought assistance in challenging ACC decisions relating to attendant care and other entitlements. Collaborating with legal partners, we advanced these matters and achieved positive outcomes for several players. 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2025 We also celebrated new life within our VIP whānau, congratulating Robbie and Kelsey Hewitt on the arrival of Ellie, and welcoming baby Tana to Michael and Tatiana Fatialofa and big brother Tommy. THE YEAR AT A GLANCE • 84 grants approved for VIP support. • 65 Near Miss cases supported. • 21 home visits across six cities and towns • 41 VIPs and families supported through Foundation events. • 14 ACC advocacy cases progressed. • Two “new” VIPs received into lifelong support. WELCOMING NEW VIPS Two new players joined the NZRF, a club no one ever expects to join. This included our first female VIP, Teilah Ferguson, reflecting the evolving landscape of rugby participation and injury. Ollie Thomson, injured in 2023, also joined our VIP family. Each new case reinforces the importance of early support, peer connections, and strong advocacy for players and their families as they begin to navigate life after serious injury. NEAR MISS SUPPORT Our Near Miss programme supports players who experience serious injury but go on to make full recoveries – affectionately known as the “Lucky Unluckies.” During the year, we supported Near Miss grants and direct expenses of around $50,000, (excluding resources and overheads): • 65 cases were supported • 52 male and 13 female players • 14 surgeries were required
9 Publizr Home