29 April 2025
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has officially launched on the free coaching and team management app CoachMate, marking another step forward for NZRL’s digital coaching platform in order to support the game’s rapidly growing participation base and dedicated volunteer community.
The implementation comes off the back of a standout few years for the sport in Aotearoa. In 2023, NZRL recorded a 22% increase in total participation, with rangatahi numbers up 28% and female participation surging by 35%. In 2024, over 38,000 Kiwis registered to play rugby league, backed by a 13% increase in volunteer numbers, now totaling more than 2,000 grassroots contributors.
CoachMate, a digital platform built to simplify grassroots coaching and team management, is uniquely placed to support NZRL as it scales its operations and embraces the opportunities created by this momentum.
Greg Peters, NZRL CEO, shared, “Rugby league in New Zealand is growing faster than ever – especially at the grassroots, youth, and women’s levels. Our volunteers and coaches are the life force of that growth. Implementing CoachMate is about backing them with the tools they need to succeed.
It also aligns perfectly with The Kiwi Way – our ethos that embraces innovation, community, and inclusivity. Whether it’s a first-time coach or a seasoned volunteer, CoachMate gives our people a simple, supportive experience that reflects the spirit of our game and helps take it into new spaces.”
The CoachMate partnership has played a big part in helping bring the NZRL coaching framework to life – adapting it to suit a more micro-learning approach that makes development more accessible and engaging for coaches at every level.
Leigh Kenyon, Co-Founder and Chief Programme Officer at CoachMate, said, “We’re incredibly proud to support NZRL during such an exciting growth phase. The work they’re doing to engage more rangatahi, women, and communities in the game is truly inspiring.
At a time when many sports across Aotearoa are facing declining volunteer numbers, CoachMate is here to help ease the pressure. Our goal is to give every coach and volunteer – whether they’re new to rugby league or long-time supporters – access to a simple, empowering platform that supports participation, reduces admin, and keeps the focus on what matters most: the players and the people.”
CoachMate’s roll-out includes full access for coaches and managers across NZRL’s club and school network, as well as tailored curriculum content aligned with each development stage.
This move complements NZRL’s broader strategic focus on equity of access, building strong communities, and supporting a sustainable volunteer pathway – ensuring that the grassroots game remains the beating heart of rugby league in Aotearoa.
The partnership with CoachMate sees NZRL join New Zealand Football, Basketball New Zealand, Golf New Zealand, Halberg Train, BMX New Zealand and Golf Australia as other sporting organisations with a presence on the app.
CoachMate is available for free in both the Google Play and App Stores. Download the app here.
