2026 Blues International Rugby Camp - Homestay Experience
As part of the Blues Rugby international programme, visiting players will stay with carefully selected local host families in Auckland for the duration of the programme.
The homestay component is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and culturally enriching environment, while helping players develop confidence communicating in English and experiencing everyday life in New Zealand.
Blues Rugby works with a trusted network of homestay families that has supported international programmes for many years. Some families have hosted international players for up to 10+ years and are experienced in supporting young visitors from overseas. These families understand the cultural challenges that international players may experience and provide a welcoming and supportive environment.
For many players, the homestay experience becomes one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of their international visit, and often provides a connection with NZ, long after the players have left.
A Message to Parents
We understand that allowing your child to travel overseas is a significant decision.
The Blues Rugby homestay programme has been designed to ensure that every player is welcomed into a safe, caring, and supportive family environment while they participate in the rugby programme.
Our host families are experienced in welcoming international players and understand the importance of providing a stable and reassuring home environment. Many families have supported international youth programmes for many years and genuinely enjoy sharing their homes and culture with visiting players.
Players are treated as temporary members of the family, sharing meals, conversations, and daily routines.
Our goal is that players return home not only having improved their rugby skills, but also with greater confidence, independence, and a positive experience of New Zealand culture.
Supporting Personal Growth
The homestay experience contributes directly to a players personal growth by helping players develop:
Independence
Living away from home in a supportive environment encourages players to build responsibility and confidence.
Communication Confidence
Players naturally practice English during everyday family interactions.
Cultural Awareness
Players experience daily life in a New Zealand household, gaining a deeper understanding of another culture.
Leadership and Maturity
Being in a new environment helps players develop adaptability and resilience — important qualities both on and off the field.
Addressing English Language Concerns
One of the most common concerns for players and parents is whether English ability will be sufficient for an overseas experience.
Our homestay programme is designed to create a supportive and pressure-free environment for communication.
Host families understand that players may initially feel shy or uncertain speaking English. Families are patient and supportive, helping players communicate through simple conversation and shared activities.
Players typically gain confidence quickly through everyday experiences such as:
Talking about rugby training
Sharing meals with the family
Participating in normal household routines.
Many players discover that after only a few days they feel much more comfortable communicating in English.
Safety and Player Wellbeing
Player safety and wellbeing are the highest priorities for the programme.
Experienced Host Families
Blues Rugby works with an established network of host families who have supported international programmes for many years. Some families have hosted players for more than a decade.
These families:
Have experience hosting young international visitors
Understand cultural differences and communication challenges
Provide supportive and welcoming family environments.
Host Family Screening
Host families are selected to ensure:
Safe and appropriate homes
Responsible adult supervision
Reliable access to programme venues where required.
Player Placement
Players are typically placed one or two players per home, allowing for:
Personal attention and support
Opportunities to practice English
A comfortable and welcoming environment.
Programme Support
Players are supported throughout the programme by:
Blues Rugby programme staff
Homestay families
Professional programme manager.
Clear communication channels are in place so that any concerns can be addressed quickly.
A Typical Homestay Day
The homestay experience combines structured programme activities with relaxed family time.
Morning
Breakfast with host family (times can be flexible depending on programme schedule)
Daytime
Rugby training and programme activities, lunch is provided at the Blues headquarters
Evening
Dinner with host family and relaxed family/study time
This routine allows players to experience both the professional rugby programme and the comfort of family life.
Cultural Exchange
Homestay is not simply accommodation - it is a genuine cultural exchange.
Players gain insight into:
Daily life in New Zealand
Family traditions and customs
Local culture and community.
Likewise, host families enjoy learning about Japanese culture and welcoming players into their homes.
These relationships often continue long after the programme ends, with many players maintaining contact with their host families.
Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be safe?
Yes. Players stay with experienced host families and are supported by programme staff and homestay professional management throughout the programme.
What if my child struggles with English?
Host families are experienced with international players and help create a relaxed environment for communication.
What if my child feels homesick?
Homestay management, programme staff and host families work together to support players and ensure they feel comfortable.
Can parents communicate with their child?
Yes. Players are able to stay in contact with their families during the programme.
Our Commitment
The Blues Rugby homestay programme is designed to ensure that visiting players experience:
A safe and welcoming home environment
Opportunities for personal growth and independence
A supportive setting to build English confidence
Meaningful cultural exchange with New Zealand families.
Through this experience, players return home not only with improved rugby skills, but also with greater confidence, independence, and a broader global perspective.