Rugby tackles mental health

New Zealand Rugby is stepping up with a campaign aiming to break down the barriers over talking about mental health.

It is offering players, parents, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters a website called www.headfirst.co.nz to get information about mental fitness, mental health and wellbeing.

The campaign features stories from 133 cap All Blacks legend and Former Auckland Blues player Keven Mealamu, All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, Black Ferns Sevens star Ruby Tui, former Chiefs and Junior All Blacks prop James McGougan, the Sunwolves’ Liaki Moli and former international referee Chris Pollock.

NZ Rugby education manager Dr Nathan Price saysNew Zealand has sobering statistics around mental health. One in five Kiwis experience mental illness each year and our youth suicide rate is one of the highest in the OECD.

‘‘Rugby plays a huge role in the fabric of our community and culture,’’ Price says.

‘‘Rugby is in a unique position to contribute to the conversation around mental health and wellbeing. There is a perception that rugby players are tough and asking for help is a sign of weakness.

‘‘Our campaign is explicitly about breaking that down. Asking for help is actually incredibly courageous and very tough.’’