The milestone partnership signifies a major commitment to growing the women’s game in the region and ensuring that female athletes in Northland are seen, supported and celebrated.
“This year, CDL Group is the naming partner for the Northland Kauri,” said JP Dignon, CEO and founder of CDL Group. “Honestly, it’s a real privilege. These wāhine are tough, talented, and proud to wear the jersey. They represent everything we admire – resilience, unity, and a drive to prove themselves no matter what the odds.”
While CDL Group has long been a supporter of Northland Rugby, this partnership represents a step change – a direct investment in the visibility and development of the Kauri team.
“We’ve been backing Northland Rugby for a while, but this year felt like the right opportunity to go all in behind the wāhine,” Dignon said. “The talent, the passion, and the commitment these women bring to the game deserves the same backing and spotlight as everyone else.”
Angus Rush, Commercial Manager at Northland Rugby, says the partnership is a powerful moment in the organisation’s continued drive to elevate women’s rugby.
“Having CDL Group join us as the first standalone naming rights partner for the Kauri is a significant step forward,” Rush said. “This kind of targeted support allows us to provide more opportunities, more resources, and more visibility for our female players – and sends a strong message that women’s rugby matters.”
For CDL Group, the decision is deeply aligned with their values.
“At CDL, we know what it’s like to be the challenger,” said Dignon. “To take on the big players and still come out swinging. So being able to make history with the Kauri – not just as supporters, but as partners in their journey – means a lot.”
The company hopes their commitment will inspire others to get behind the women’s game and help pave the way for future growth and recognition.
“We’re backing them not just because it’s the right thing to do,” said Dignon, “but because we genuinely believe they’re going places.”
“This partnership is about more than rugby,” he added. “It’s about creating opportunities, growing leadership and pride, and showing young girls across Northland that their dreams are valid and worth backing.”
The Northland Kauri will proudly wear the CDL Group name throughout the 2025 Farah Palmer Cup season, with the campaign kicking off this August.
