Every serious injury must be reported. This enables the Rugby Foundation to connect with the player and their whānau fast. Their immediate needs are the priority, during what can be a physically, emotionally, and financially draining time.

What is a serious injury?

1. A head or spinal injury, or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the player being admitted to hospital

2. An injury or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the death of a player during match play or rugby training

3. An injury that may result in some permanent disability (e.g. loss of use of a limb, loss of an eye)

"The foundation is there to make sure despite a rugby injury, which is pretty damn sad, that we have the potential to live our life. If the foundation is able to assist, they are in boots and all.”

– Grant Sharman, a seriously injured player supported by New Zealand Rugby Foundation, injured in 1977