Increase in rugby stats across the region

Will Johnston

Taranaki Rugby has bucked the trend compared to national data after recording an increase in junior male playing numbers in 2023.

The statistics come after New Zealand Rugby announced a month ago a 2% decrease in junior boys’ numbers across the country falling to 49,999.

Released via email to rugby stakeholders on Friday, statistics saw male registrations increase by 8%, while there were boosts in numbers across the 0-12 (13%), 13-18 (10%) and 19+ (16%) age groups.

Teenage and adult numbers needed a lift after there were only 926 teens and 1,070 adults playing in 2022. Those numbers are now 1,015 and 1,236 respectfully.

Women’s numbers continue to grow across Taranaki with a 27% increase. The local figures contribute to a 20% surge of women and girls playing nationally with numbers up to 29,448.

Overall numbers grew by 13% to 5,449 registered players, following a national increase of 7%.

Referee numbers increased by four to 50 (up 4% nationally), while coaches also rose from 192 to 198 in a year (up 8% around New Zealand).

Taranaki Rugby community operations lead Ben Hitchcock said the union was excited to see the growth within the community game.

He said they want to continue this by providing accessible, engaging and meaningful experiences in 2024.

“As a union, we’re grateful to have a supportive and passionate community who dedicate countless hours of time and energy to rugby in Taranaki,” he said. “The community game is well supported and resourced.”

Hitchcock is aware of specific areas the union needs to focus on and support to continue the growth next season.

“Taranaki Rugby is hoping to continue this growth next season with the introduction of a new grade in Dennis Wheeler Earthmoving Ferdie rugby, more support for coaches around Taranaki and more playing opportunities in Ferdie and secondary school seasons to engage more tamariki [children] and rangatahi [young people] in rugby.”

After a successful domestic season, which saw Taranaki win the national provincial championship, coupled with the club season being two-weeks shorted with the introduction of a new format next year the union could see more interest in the community game.