Toyota helps turn tries into cash
Toyota New Zealand is helping give a financial boost to grassroots rugby clubs by teaming up with New Zealand Rugby to hand over $2,000 for every try scored by the All Blacks and Black Ferns on home soil this season.
Called Grounded Grants, the programme awards the cash sum to registered rugby clubs whenever a try is scored during the eight home test matches across the 2026 season.
To date, 16 clubs have been awarded $2,000 each and one lucky club received $4,000 as their spot on a special grid to decide who gets the money was scored in twice. It means $36,000 has gone to rugby clubs around New Zealand so far this year.
Susanne Hardy, Toyota NZ assistant vice-president – marketing, sustainability and technology, says Grounded Grants is about supporting the people who help rugby flourish in communities.
“Grassroots rugby is where future All Blacks and Black Ferns first pull on a jersey, and where volunteers, families, coaches and communities keep the game thriving,” she adds.
“For many clubs, $2,000 can make a meaningful difference, whether it buys new equipment, goes towards supporting junior players or helping with the day-to-day costs of running a club.”
Chris Brown, chief commercial officer at New Zealand Rugby, adds: “Rugby clubs play an incredibly important role in communities right across New Zealand. They're places where people come together, volunteers give their time, and lifelong connections are made both on and off the field.
“It’s fantastic to see our partners supporting community clubs in a practical way. Initiatives like this help strengthen the foundations of the game and allow clubs to keep doing what they do best, bringing people together through rugby.”
Under Toyota NZ and New Zealand Rugby’s Together for Rugby partnership, up to 40 clubs will be randomly selected for each match and assigned a position within a grid overlaying the in-goal area. When a try is officially awarded, the club linked to that section of the field receives a $2,000 grant.
Clubs keep their position for the duration of the half, meaning they can receive multiple grants if more than one try is scored in the same area, as was the case for Springston Rugby Club during the July 19 test against Ireland at Eden Park.
With about 450 rugby clubs participating in local competitions nationwide, Hardy notes Grounded Grants reflects Toyota NZ’s long-standing commitment to the sport and the communities that are the foundation of the game.
“Toyota has supported local rugby for decades through our network of more than 60 stores nationwide, and now as an official partner of New Zealand Rugby across every level of the game, from grassroots clubs through to the All Blacks and Black Ferns.”
Clubs can register to participate in Grounded Grants at toyota.co.nz/groundedgrants. Draws are completed each Monday before an eligible match, with successful clubs assigned to the in-goal grid and revealed online before kick-off.
