In the world of Rugby League, physical strength, endurance, and tactical brilliance are often the first attributes that come to mind. Players push their bodies to the limit, competing fiercely on the field, with an unrelenting focus on the physical aspects of the game. However, there is a growing recognition in the Rugby League community that physical prowess alone is not enough for sustained peak performance and overall wellbeing. Mental health, often overlooked in the past, is now seen as crucial for a player’s success and happiness both on and off the field.
This is where the concept of hauora comes into play, bringing a holistic approach to wellbeing that encompasses not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social health. Wellington Rugby League is taking proactive steps in promoting hauora, focusing on the balance and interconnectedness of all these aspects to help players thrive.
The "Find Your Front" Initiative: A Game-Changer for Mental Health
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) launched the Find Your Front initiative—a kaupapa that challenges the traditional norms of toughness in the sport and encourages players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters to address their mental health openly. The term Find Your Front is borrowed from the game itself, where players strive to land on their front after making contact with an opponent, as this position offers the best advantage when playing the ball. However, NZRL has reframed this concept, applying it to the mental and emotional resilience required to overcome challenges both on and off the field.
Find Your Front encourages Rugby League communities to break the silence surrounding mental health. By fostering open kōrero (dialogue), players are urged to speak up about the challenges they may be facing, whether those are on the field or within their personal lives. It aims to break down the stigma around mental wellbeing and create a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.
Wellington Rugby League’s Commitment to Hauora
Wellington Rugby League (WRL) has been at the forefront of implementing this initiative, collaborating with local health providers such as Healthy Families Hutt Valley, Ora Toa, Mana Wahine to name a few, to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of players at all levels, including representative players, seniors, and rangatahi (youth). Over the past few seasons, WRL has actively engaged in a variety of initiatives designed to raise awareness and provide support to the wider Rugby League community.
Hauora Rounds
One of the standout initiatives of the past two seasons has been our Hauora Rounds—a dedicated round for our Premier Mens and Womens competitions that focuses on the wellbeing of players and their families. Local health providers attended these rounds, offering valuable resources and information on maintaining good health and living well. This initiative not only provided support to the players but also emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle for the wider community, reinforcing the idea that hauora is a priority, not an afterthought.
Although we have turned our focus this season to building new partnerships to create career opportunities for our community, hauora is still at the forefront of our game and we see these attitudes towards wellbeing continuing to improve.
Healthy Families, Hauora Club of The Year Award
The introduction of the Healthy Families Hutt Valley Hauora Club of the Year award in 2023 marked a significant milestone in Wellington Rugby League’s commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of players and the wider community.
The award recognises clubs that go above and beyond in promoting the principles of hauora—integrating physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing into their operations and culture. In 2023, the Porirua Vikings were the proud recipients of this award, having demonstrated outstanding efforts in supporting their players' holistic health, fostering an environment of care, and championing mental wellbeing initiatives.
Following in their footsteps, the Randwick Kingfishers were honoured with the award in 2024 for their ongoing commitment to promoting wellness within their club and the broader Rugby League community. By acknowledging these clubs, the award highlights the vital role community clubs play in creating supportive environments where players can thrive.
It not only celebrates their work in mental health awareness, healthy living initiatives, and resilience-building, but also encourages others to follow suit, contributing to a stronger, more connected Rugby League environment. This initiative is a powerful reminder that wellbeing is a collective responsibility and that every step taken towards improving the health of our players makes a lasting impact on the entire community.
A Shift in Culture
Wellington Rugby League’s commitment to hauora reflects a broader shift in sports culture, one that prioritizes the holistic health of players and acknowledges the importance of mental wellbeing. By encouraging open conversations, providing resources, and fostering an environment of care and support, WRL is not only improving the lives of its players but also setting a powerful example for other sports communities to follow.
Through initiatives like Find Your Front, Wellington Rugby League is helping to redefine what it means to be strong, resilient, and capable. It’s not just about being tough on the field—it’s about being tough in life, too. When players know that their mental health matters and that there are resources and support systems in place, they are more likely to thrive both as athletes and as individuals.
As we continue to see the positive impact of these initiatives, there’s no doubt that the future of Wellington Rugby League will be stronger, healthier, and more supportive, both for the players and the wider community. The message is clear: hauora is key to success in Rugby League, and Wellington is leading the way in making mental health a priority.
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