There is a satisfying logic to the idea that every try scored at the top of New Zealand rugby could send money directly to the clubs at the bottom of it. That is precisely what Toyota New Zealand and New Zealand Rugby have set up with their Grounded Grants programme, now running across the 2026 home test season.
How the Programme Works
For each of eight home test matches, up to 40 registered rugby clubs are randomly selected and assigned a position on 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 hold their position for the duration of each half, so multiple tries scored in the same area can mean multiple grants for the same club.
That is exactly what happened to Springston Rugby Club during the test against Ireland, which received $4,000 after their grid position was scored in twice. Draws take place each Monday before an eligible match, with assigned positions published online ahead of kick-off and winning clubs announced during the Sky Sport broadcast.
Early Results
The programme launched at the All Blacks versus France match on 4 July 2026. Three matches in (against France, Italy, and Ireland) 16 clubs have each received $2,000, with Springston’s double grant bringing the total distributed so far to $34,000.
Hunterville Sports Club was among the early recipients. Club representative Anastasia Perano described the moment a try landed on their grid square during a live broadcast as genuinely surprising, noting that volunteer-run clubs feel the practical impact of funding like this directly.
The Wider Picture
With around 450 rugby clubs participating in local competitions across New Zealand, the pool of potential beneficiaries is substantial. Toyota New Zealand’s Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Sustainability and Technology, Susanne Hardy, noted that $2,000 can cover new equipment, junior player support, or everyday running costs, the unglamorous but essential expenses that keep community sport functioning.
New Zealand Rugby’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Brown, described clubs as places where volunteers give their time and lifelong connections are formed, and welcomed the practical nature of the support.
Toyota New Zealand operates more than 60 stores nationwide and holds an Official Partner status with New Zealand Rugby across all levels of the game. Grounded Grants sits within that broader Together for Rugby partnership framework.
Clubs wishing to register for remaining matches in the 2026 season can do so at toyota.co.nz/groundedgrants. With five matches still to come, the total distributed could grow considerably, and for the clubs involved, the scoreboard at Eden Park or Sky Stadium will carry a little extra meaning.
