What we do
Standing with players and whānau when life takes an unexpected turn.
Here when it matters most.
We support players and their whānau when injury, illness, or sudden hardship turns life upside down.
Helping players and their whānau find strength when life feels overwhelming.
The Rugby Players’ Support Trust provides practical and financial support to rugby players and their whānau who are experiencing genuine hardship.
When injury, illness, or sudden change disrupts life, we step in to ease the pressure and offer real support when it’s needed most.
Our help may include:
Covering medical or rehabilitation costs
Providing mobility or recovery equipment
Assisting with essential living expenses such as rent or bills
Offering family support during times of loss or difficult circumstances
Helping with other urgent needs caused by exceptional situations
HOW WE HELP
Every story is different, so we take the time to understand each situation with care, empathy, and complete confidentiality.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Because everyone in the rugby whānau deserves support when life gets difficult.
We consider applications from:
Current and former rugby players
Their whānau
Anyone with a genuine connection to rugby who is facing hardship
We prioritise those connected to the Hurricanes team or the wider Hurricanes community, but support is not limited to them.
If someone in the rugby family needs help, we do our best to be there.
OUR APPROACH
Care, empathy, and confidentiality at every step.
We keep things simple and supportive.
There are no lengthy processes or complicated criteria.
If someone reaches out, we listen, we assess their situation with sensitivity, and we provide help where we can.
Every application is handled privately and respectfully and dignity and compassion guide everything we do.
How we’ve helped
Real support for players, whānau, and members of our rugby community.
The Rugby Players’ Support Trust now oversees all hardship support previously managed by the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation.
Some examples of this work include:
Hurricane #11 — Sam Doyle
More than $20,000 was raised to support Sam and his whānau as he bravely fought leukaemia.
After Sam’s passing in October 2022, the trust continued supporting his wife, Tracey, and their girls.
Hurricane #227 — Michael Fatialofa
In 2023, the trust raised $12,000 for Michael after a catastrophic spinal cord injury left him paralysed from the neck down.
Initially given only a 7% chance of walking, he defied the odds and walked out of hospital 153 days later. The funds covered a full year of his intensive rehabilitation programme, including five physio and acupuncture sessions each week.
Liz Tye
The trust contributed to the headstone costs for Chris Tye, a long-time caretaker for the Hurricanes who passed away in 2018.
This support helped ease the financial burden for his wife, Liz, during a difficult time.
Hurricane #15 — Norm Hewitt
In 2024, the trust supported Norm and his whānau — Arlene, Alex, and Lizzie — as he faced motor neurone disease.
Norm passed away on 16 July 2024, and the trust continued to stand by his family through an incredibly difficult time.
If you need support
If you or someone you know is facing hardship, please reach out. We’re here to help.