About us

Sense Rugby is an Occupational Therapy led rugby program designed to help tamariki and rangatahi who usually find it difficult to be part of a sports team.

Our Story

Sense Rugby NZ was established in July 2020 as a charitable trust after recognising that tamariki and rangatahi who live everyday life with disabilities and often “invisible” differences in their social, motor, learning, emotional regulation and communication skills have limited access to high quality and consistent active recreation and sport opportunities.

Inclusive Rugby

Sense Rugby was originally designed with the neurodiverse community in mind. However, our occupational therapists can support a wide range of needs, and we aim to make the programme as accessible as possible. Sense Rugby supports children and young people with a range of needs, including (but not limited to):

  • Autism

  • Dyspraxia

  • ADHD

  • Global Developmental Delay

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

  • Pathological Demand Avoidance

  • Anxiety

  • Vision & Hearing Loss

  • Genetic Conditions

  • Trauma Backgrounds

You do not need a diagnosis to attend Sense Rugby

Cost and Accessibility

Sense Rugby is committed to removing barriers to participation, ensuring tamariki and rangatahi have access to inclusive sporting opportunities. Our programmes are free, with an optional koha/donation via our website.

WHY CHOOSE SENSE RUGBY

Whole-Body Sensory Input:

Rugby activities provide dynamic, full-body input, which can be significantly effective for sensory regulation. Rugby equipment like tackle bags and hit shields are used to deliver vital proprioceptive (deep pressure) and vestibular (movement) input.

Social Inclusion and Belonging:

Adapted rugby creates a space for children and young people to belong and affirm their identity and competence.

Choice and Flexibility:

Participants have the freedom to choose their level of engagement, ensuring activities match their individual sensory profiles and skill levels.

Real-World Integration:

Sensory needs are addressed within a natural, meaningful, and purposeful context alongside peers, rather than in an isolated setting.

Focus on Skills and Self-Regulation:

While rugby is the vehicle, the games and activities are structured with specific goals in mind, including turn-taking, skill building, and improving self-regulation abilities.