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Backed by Tudor, Hirini Rugby Academy Is Empowering Young Girls in New Zealand Rugby
Born to Dare: The Spirit Behind the Hirini Rugby Academy
In rugby-obsessed New Zealand, greatness often begins on grassroots fields, not under stadium lights. And that’s exactly where The Hirini Rugby Academy is making a difference, by giving young girls a place to learn, grow, and thrive through sport.
Founded by Sarah Hirini, a two-time Olympic medallist and captain of the Black Ferns Sevens, the academy is a bold initiative that delivers free rugby coaching clinics across the country. With support from the luxury watch brand Tudor, the Hirini Rugby Academy is changing the game for young female athletes in underserved communities.
Creating Pathways Through Rugby
The Hirini Rugby Academy was born out of a clear vision: to make rugby accessible and empowering for girls who might otherwise be left out of the game. Sarah Hirini, who grew up in a small town with limited opportunities, was clear about one thing: no young soul from her country should miss out on sport due to the lack of resources.
Today, through a growing network of community-based clinics, the academy focuses on:
- Reaching girls aged 11–19 in both urban and rural New Zealand
- Fostering confidence and leadership through team sport
- Providing a safe space for young players to develop rugby and life skills
Instead of losing girls to dropout rates, the academy helps them stay in the game, and grow.
Where does Tudor fit in this scheme of things?
Tudor officially partnered with the Hirini Rugby Academy in early 2025, bringing its "Born to Dare" slogan into grassroots action. Tudor does not just bring in the funds; it amplifies the academy’s impact.
The brand extends support to the young players in important ways:
- Expand its free coaching clinics to more towns and schools
- Equip clinics with high-quality gear and mentorship resources
- Host unique events like the Te Puke Beach Sevens tournament
Together, Tudor and the academy are creating opportunities for the next generation of rugby stars, starting at where it matters the most: the community level.
From Local Fields to International Debuts
One of the most powerful indicators of the academy’s success is the story of Olive Watherston. A teenager from the small town of Arrowtown, Olive’s journey began with a Hirini Academy clinic in 2024. She quickly progressed to playing in the academy’s inaugural Te Puke Beach Sevens tournament, where her talent got noticed.
Very soon, she was invited to a national training camp. By the end of the year, Olive had made her international debut with the Black Ferns Sevens in Cape Town.
Olive’s story is a testament to the academy’s mission: build real, tangible pathways from grassroots sport to elite performance.
How Te Puke Beach Sevens Tournament Changed the Scene
Held in 2024, the Te Puke Beach Sevens was a milestone for the academy. It introduced:
- Four new women’s teams were formed specifically for the event
- A competitive and inclusive format for young, emerging athletes
- Local broadcast coverage, offering much-needed visibility to players
The event showcased how the academy isn’t just training individuals, but reshaping the infrastructure of women’s rugby in New Zealand.
Doubling the Impact in 2025
In 2025, the Hirini Rugby Academy is scaling up. With increased support and a growing demand, it plans to double the number of clinics across both rural and urban communities, and launch wellness and leadership workshops alongside rugby coaching. Additionally, it aims to reach more young players who are currently underserved by traditional sports systems.
This next chapter will strengthen the academy’s role as a hub for empowerment, education, and elite development.
Why This Matters to Tudor
Tudor aligns with the idea of backing bold moves that create long-term change in the field of sports. Supporting the Hirini Rugby Academy means ensuring every young girl, regardless of background, can dream big and play hard. In a way, daring to dream. And that’s what Tudor has been all about since its inception.
The Hirini Rugby Academy, with the support of Tudor Watches, is shaping the future of women’s rugby in New Zealand, with one pass, one clinic, one empowered girl player at a time.
It’s proof that when brands back purpose, and champions pay it forward, the impact lasts far beyond the final whistle.
