SPARC has announced a $3 million investment in New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) over three years.

It is the largest single investment by the government in rugby league in the history of the sport in New Zealand.

SPARC CEO Peter Miskimmin says this reflects SPARC's confidence in the work the NZRL has done to implement the recommendations of the independent review chaired by Sir John Anderson.

"NZRL has produced a sound strategic plan and put the structures in place which will boost the sport across the country and make it sustainable.

"SPARC's investment will help continue that early momentum and allow rugby league to get on with reviving the sport nationwide," Miskimmin said.

In the past twelve months NZRL has adopted a new constitution, appointed a fresh board and established a national seven-zone structure.

"The funding is to help kick-start rugby league at the grassroots level around the country by ensuring the seven zones are properly resourced. There are already dividends from the new structure with plans to revive club rugby league in Dunedin.

"NZRL has worked hard to honour its commitment to the recommendations of the independent review. That work is paying dividends with growing confidence in the sport funding sector such as gaming trusts, to invest in rugby league in the future," Miskimmin said.