Northland Rugby has today announced LDV as its new Major Partner in a landmark agreement that marks one of the most significant commercial partnerships in the union’s history and a powerful vote of confidence in the future of rugby across Te Tai Tokerau.
Building on an existing relationship, LDV has significantly elevated its commitment to the region in a move that reflects a deep belief in the people, the game, and the role rugby plays in connecting communities throughout Northland. The partnership signals a new level of ambition for both organisations as they align behind a shared vision of growth, opportunity, and long term regional impact.
From the 2026 season, LDV will take pride of place on the front of both the Northland Taniwha and Northland Kauri jerseys, becoming a central part of the identity of Northland’s premier men’s and women’s teams. Their presence will extend across Semenoff Stadium through prominent branding, enhanced match day experiences, and integrated fan engagement, ensuring the partnership is visible at every level of the game.However, the true significance of this partnership lies beyond what is seen on game day.At its core, the relationship between LDV and Northland Rugby is built on strong alignment in values.
Both organisations share a commitment to community, resilience, hard work, and backing local people to succeed. It is this alignment that underpins a partnership designed not just to support elite rugby, but to strengthen the entire rugby ecosystem across the region.
Northland Rugby CEO Paul Lennane says the agreement represents a transformational moment for the organisation and the wider Northland community.
“This is a defining partnership for Northland Rugby. It represents a level of investment and belief in our region that is genuinely significant.”
“LDV have already been an important supporter of our organisation, but this next step demonstrates a deeper commitment to our people, our clubs, and our future. They understand that rugby in Northland is more than a game. It is a source of pride, identity, and connection across our communities.”
“What stands out most is the alignment in how we think. We are both focused on building something meaningful, creating opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact. This partnership allows us to think bigger about what is possible for rugby in the North.”
General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, distributors of LDV, Jerry Delaney says the brand is equally excited by the opportunity to deepen its connection with Northland and invest further into the communities that support the game.
“Our whole team is excited that we are taking our partnership to the next level. We truly believe there are some strong synergies between LDV and NRU.”
“LDV vehicles are built to help Kiwis work harder every day and like the NRU players, they are focused on success through robust performance. As well as seeing the LDV fleet used by the NRU team, we are excited to be involved in activations and engage with fans, grassroots clubs, and local communities throughout the season.”
“The LDV team is looking forward to cheering on the Northland Taniwha and Kauri teams at their rugby games over the coming months and supporting the growth of rugby across the Northland region.”
The partnership will play a key role in supporting initiatives across all levels of the game, from grassroots and school rugby through to high performance pathways. It will enable increased engagement with clubs, expanded community programmes, and enhanced experiences for supporters, ensuring the impact of the partnership is felt well beyond the field of play.
Fans can expect to see LDV integrated into the full Northland Rugby experience, from match day activations at Semenoff Stadium to community initiatives delivered across towns and clubs throughout the region.
As Northland Rugby continues to build toward a bold new era, this partnership reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening regional pride, growing participation, and investing in the next generation of players and supporters.
Together, LDV and Northland Rugby are not just supporting the game. They are helping shape its future in the North.
