The Southland Stags wore a special one-off jersey during the 2025 NPC season in honour of the Hawthorndale Care Village. Photo: DEBBIE FAHEY
Rugby Southland’s three-year charity partnership – which has seen more than $50,000 raised for the Hawthorndale Care Village – has come to an end.
In early 2026, Rugby Southland will invite local charities to apply for its next multi-year charity partnership.
The partnership between Rugby Southland and the Hawthorndale Care Village began in 2023 and has seen the Stags support the development of the Village from its early stages of development through to its opening.
Hawthorndale Care Village is a new purpose-built state-of-the-art aged dementia care facility constructed at the old Hawthorndale School site in Invercargill and opened early this year.
The $39.5m project took a massive community fundraising effort with many organisations, like Rugby Southland, coming on board to help out.
Included in the over $50,000 raised by Rugby Southland was a $16,014 donation presented to the Hawthorndale Care Village on Tuesday.
The funds were raised through the sale of the 2025 SBS Bank Southland Stags Charity Jersey, worn during Round 7 of this year’s NPC, and includes a $3,340 contribution from Paladin Sports, who supported the initiative by donating $10 from every charity jersey sold.
Rugby Southland representatives presented the Hawthorndale Care Village with a donation of $16,014 on Tuesday.
Over the three-year term, Rugby Southland delivered a series of community-focused initiatives, including Stags player visits, promotional campaigns, a charity golf day, two charity jerseys, and multiple charity rounds — collectively raising more than $50,000.
Rugby Southland acknowledged the significant contribution of the Hawthorndale Care Village Board; Chair Frank O’Boyle; Margaret Brown, who recently retired as CEO; and Paddy O’Brien and Paul Harrington.
“This partnership has been incredibly special for everyone involved. Working alongside Hawthorndale Care Village has been easy, collaborative, and genuinely rewarding,” Rugby Southland Commercial & Marketing Manager Jack King.
“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…. We appreciate their willingness to stand alongside us and the Hawthorndale Care Village.”
Frank O’Boyle, Hawthorndale Care Village Chair was 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.”