Search Kicks Off For Grassroots Rugby Heroes

Thursday, 19 March 2026, 10:07 am
Press Release: Dress Smart Auckland

Nominations Sought for Deserving Grassroots Rugby Teams and Committed Coaches

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s rugby community is being called on to nominate its teams and coaches in a new ‘Kitted for Greatness’ campaign by Dress Smart Auckland, in partnership with the Blues. All nominees have a chance to win a major prize package recognising their dedication, grit, and community spirit.

Equipment shortages, travel costs, sponsor shortfalls, and a decline in volunteer numbers (as highlighted in the 'Stronger Communities Through Sport' report released in 2025) have an impact on grassroots rugby and can create uneven competition. ‘Kitted for Greatness’ has been designed to help provide some support for local teams and for committed coaches who go the extra mile for the love of the sport.

Lauri Solecki, Centre Manager of Dress Smart Auckland, says, “This campaign is all about shining a light on rugby heroes in our communities – the teams who show up week in, week out, and the coaches who pour their heart into developing young players. Dress Smart Auckland is proud to partner with the Blues to give back to the game at a grassroots level and make sure these unsung heroes get the recognition they truly deserve.”

Karl Budge, Blues CEO, says, “Grassroots rugby is the heartbeat of our game in Tāmaki Makaurau. The players, coaches and volunteers who give their time every week are the reason rugby continues to thrive in our communities. Through ‘Kitted for Greatness’, we’re proud to partner with Dress Smart Auckland to recognise those unsung heroes and give back to the teams and individuals who are making a real difference.”

Nominations open on 9 March and close on 29 March 2026. Two winners will be named – one rugby team and one coach or manager – with each winning a Dress Smart Auckland shopping spree valued at up to $5,000, plus a money-can’t-buy VIP Blues Rugby experience.

Who should be nominated?

Dress Smart Auckland is searching for:

• A girls’ or boys’ school or club rugby team with a standout story of grit, determination, and community spirit; and
• A selfless coach or manager who goes above and beyond to support their players and grow the game at grassroots level.

The prize package

One winning team and one winning coach will each receive:

• A Dress Smart Auckland shopping spree of up to $5,000 in sports-related apparel and footwear from participating stores; and
• An exclusive VIP Blues Rugby experience, hosted at Dress Smart Auckland in April 2026 (prize event dates: 15 April and 30 April 2026).

How to nominate

Nominations can be made online or in-centre at Dress Smart Auckland, or online here auckland.dress-smart.co.nz/kitted-for-greatness/, between 9 and 29 March 2026. Nominators must:

• Complete the official nomination form online at auckland.dress-smart.co.nz or in-centre;
• Provide their own contact details and those of the team or coach being nominated; and
• Explain in their own words why the nominee deserves to be “Kitted for Greatness” – including any barriers overcome, contribution to the school or club, and their impact on young people.

The winning team and coach will be selected by a review panel, with judging criteria including financial need, time commitment to grassroots rugby, and the positive difference the prize would make.

Key dates

• Nominations open: Monday 9 March 2026 (10am)
• Nominations close: Sunday 29 March 2026 (11.59pm)
• Winners announced: on or before Friday 3 April 2026
• Prize shopping spree dates: 15 April 2026 (3pm to 4pm) and 30 April 2026 (3pm to 4pm)

Note:

About Dress Smart Auckland

Since opening in 1995, Dress Smart Auckland has been New Zealand’s original outlet shopping destination. From an initial 20 stores to more than 90 today, we have grown into a retail landmark that continues to set the standard for outlet shopping nationwide.

For 30 years, we’ve stayed true to what matters most: delivering trusted brands and genuine deals our customers know they can rely on. This consistency has made shopping at Dress Smart an enduring Auckland tradition, attracting loyal locals and visitors alike.

But Dress Smart is more than a shopping centre, we’re part of the Auckland community. From supporting local events to partnering with Auckland organisations, we’re proud to create a space that’s welcoming to families, students, and value-conscious shoppers alike. Our focus has always been on building connections that go beyond shopping and fostering relationships that last.

Owned by Lendlease, a market leading Australian real estate and investment business, since 2010, Dress Smart combines international expertise with a local heart. As we celebrate three decades of style, value, and community connection, our promise remains the same: to be a trusted destination for the brands you love and the deals you trust - today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

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