Rugby Southland has officially wrapped up its three-year charity partnership with the Hawthorndale Care Village (HCV) by donating $16,014, closing a chapter that has seen years of collaborative fundraising and community involvement.
The latest donation was generated through the 2025 SBS Bank Southland Stags Charity Jersey, worn during Round 7 of this year’s NPC. A significant contribution of $3,340 came from Paladin Sports, which donated $10 from every charity jersey sold, showing its support for the initiative.
The partnership, which started in 2023, saw Rugby Southland support the care village from its development stages through to its opening. Over the course of the collaboration, more than $50,000 was raised through events and activities such as player visits, community promotions, a charity golf day, two specially designed jerseys, and multiple charity match rounds.
Rugby Southland acknowledged the work of the HCV Board and several key figures in the village’s leadership. These included Chair Frank O’Boyle, recently retired CEO Margaret Brown, and key supporters Paddy O’Brien and Paul Harrington, who all contributed to the successful partnership.
A Rugby Southland spokesperson said “This partnership has been incredibly special for everyone involved. Working alongside Hawthorndale Care Village has been easy, collaborative, and genuinely rewarding. We’re proud to have supported a project that brings so much value to the community, and we’re grateful for the trust and enthusiasm HCV brought to every initiative. The positive outcomes we’ve achieved together are a reflection of a strong, respectful relationship — and we’re very proud of what we accomplished over these three years.”
“We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to Paladin Sports for their contribution to this year’s charity jersey initiative. Their support in bringing the jersey to life and their added financial contribution played a meaningful role in the success of this campaign, and we appreciate their willingness to stand alongside us and the Hawthorndale Care Village.”
Frank O’Boyle, Hawthorndale Care Village Chair “We are deeply appreciative of Rugby Southland’s long-term support. This partnership has contributed significantly to the development of the Village and has helped raise awareness of the project throughout the community. The generosity shown — both financially and through the involvement of players and staff — has had a meaningful impact. We are grateful for the connection we’ve shared and for the role Rugby Southland has played in helping bring the Village to life.”
Looking ahead, Rugby Southland will open applications in early 2026 for its next charity partner. The new partnership is expected to run for two to three years, continuing the organisation’s commitment to supporting local causes.