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  • rugby-champions
  1. About us
  2. Home team
  3. Rugby champions

Rugby Champions

The Atlas Foundation is fortunate enough to have the support from some of the biggest legends in the history of the game, our Rugby Champions. They support our mission to give children around the world the chance to thrive. Our Champions support our fundraising efforts, raise the profile of our charity and visit some of our projects to learn more about their amazing work

Jason Leonard OBE - England 114 Caps

Jason Leonard OBE - England 114 Caps

England Rugby’s most-capped player, with 114 caps for England, a further 5 for the British & Irish Lions, and in 2003 a Rugby World Cup win in Australia. He was awarded the OBE in 2004 for services to sport, and in 2015 was the RFU President. He founded the Atlas Foundation in 2015 and remains its Chairman. Read more

Published: 15th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Maro Itoje - Current England Player

Maro Itoje - Current England Player

Maro is an established international for England and the British & Irish Lions. Beyond the game Maro has a degree in politics and is interested in international development, gender equality and human rights. His family is Nigerian and he brings a focus to the Board to improve the reach and impact of Atlas’s work with children across Africa. Read more

Published: 14th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Gavin Hastings OBE - Scotland 61 Caps

Gavin Hastings OBE - Scotland 61 Caps

Andrew Gavin Hastings, OBE is a Scottish former rugby union player. A fullback, he is widely regarded to be one of the best ever Scottish rugby players and was one of the outstanding players of his generation, winning 61 caps for Scotland, 20 of which as captain. Read more

Published: 13th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Simon Shaw - 71 Caps

Simon Shaw - 71 Caps

Simon joined the Atlas team in 2018 with a particular focus on Atlas France. He has 71 Caps for England and 2 for the British and Irish Lions. He was the first player to reach 200 appearances in the premiership and the first lock to ever kick a successful drop goal! He joined the Trek in 2019 and raised money for the children in India. Click through to see his story. Read more

Published: 13th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Alycia Washington - Current USA Player

Alycia Washington - Current USA Player

Read more

Published: 12th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Sally Pettipher

Mako Vunipola - Current England Player

Mako Vunipola - Current England Player

Mako Vunipola, Loosehead Prop for Saracens, England and the British and Irish Lions. He is working with Atlas to establish work in Tonga which will allow younger players there to succeed in their own country. Read more

Published: 12th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Sally Pettipher

Sir Graham Henry

Sir Graham Henry

Sir Graham Henry KNZM is a world-renowned rugby union coach who reformed the Welsh national team taking them to huge success; and leading them to hark to one of their famous hymns in calling him ‘The Great Redeemer’. Sir Graham went onto coach his own national team, the All Blacks, where he became one of the most successful rugby coaches of all time, leading his team to a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2005, five Tri Nations titles, and winning the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Read more

Published: 11th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Joe Marler - Current England Player

Joe Marler - Current England Player

Joe has had an incredibly successful with 58 caps for England and 2 for the British and Irish Lions. Read more

Published: 10th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Shane Byrne - Ireland 41 Caps

Shane Byrne - Ireland 41 Caps

Shane is a former hooker for Ireland and also won four caps with the Lions on the New Zealand tour of 2005. Shane is much loved and remembered for his fearsome mullet haircut. He is now a successful businessman, commentator and burgeoning media celebrity. In 2020 he became Chairman of Atlas Ireland. Read more

Published: 10th April, 2022

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

Humphrey Kayange - Kenya 49 Caps

Humphrey Kayange - Kenya 49 Caps

Humphrey is a Kenyan rugby union player who captained their famous Sevens side during a period of national success. He is also an organic chemist and an Atlas Rugby Champion helping as a role model with boys and girls across Kenya and Africa. Read more

Published: 9th April, 2019

Updated: 3rd March, 2020

Author: Sally Pettipher

Tiffany Faaee - USA 11 Caps

Tiffany Faaee - USA 11 Caps

Read more

Published: 27th December, 2018

Updated: 4th March, 2020

Author: Sally Pettipher

Claudia MacDonald - Current England Player

Claudia MacDonald - Current England Player

Claudia MacDonald, a Durham University Economics graduate, is currently playing for the England women's rugby team where she plays in the scrum half. At the young age of 23, she already has 4 caps. Not only does she play for England but she is also a key player at Wasps rugby club. Read more

Published: 29th November, 2018

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: lucia hayes

Kristine Sommer - Current USA Player

Kristine Sommer - Current USA Player

Kristine Sommer is an international rugby player for the USA Women's National XVs Team. Kristine has been playing rugby for 11 years and was selected for her first international appearance with USA Rugby in 2016 for the 7s circuit in Dubai. She received her first 15s international cap against Canada in 2017 and was selected for the Rugby World Cup in 2017. Read more

Published: 28th November, 2018

Updated: 5th September, 2022

Author: Atlas Foundation

John Smit - South Africa 111 Caps

John Smit - South Africa 111 Caps

South Africa's Captain who played both hooker and prop, he beat the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and won the Rugby World Cup in 2007. Read more

Published: 21st November, 2018

Updated: 22nd November, 2018

Author: Sally Pettipher

Nick Mallett - Rugby Coach & South Africa 2 Caps

Nick Mallett - Rugby Coach & South Africa 2 Caps

Read more

Published: 26th September, 2018

Updated: 3rd March, 2020

Author: Sally Pettipher

Patricio Albacete - Argentina 57 Caps

Patricio Albacete - Argentina 57 Caps

Patricio Albacete es un ex–jugador argentino de rugby que se desempeñaba como segunda línea. Patricio Albacete retired from rugby in 2018. He was a second row for Argentina with 57 caps. He was in the Rugby World Cup squad of 2003, 2007 and 2011 helping "Los Pumas" to their historic Bronze RWC position in 2017. Read more

Published: 26th September, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Marcelo Loffreda - Argentina 44 Caps

Marcelo Loffreda - Argentina 44 Caps

Marcelo Loffreda is an Argentine former rugby player and coach. Loffreda won 44 caps with one as captain, playing at centre for the Argentine rugby union side . He then became the most celebrated coach of the modern era, taking the Argentinian team to a third place at the 2007 Rugby World Cup Read more

Published: 26th September, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Allan Bateman - Wales 35 Caps

Allan Bateman - Wales 35 Caps

Allan Bateman is a Welsh former rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He is a dual-code rugby international centre who represented the British Lions at rugby union, and Great Britain at rugby league. Read more

Published: 21st September, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Dan Leo - Samoa 39 Caps

Dan Leo - Samoa 39 Caps

Dan Leo is a Samoan International. He is currently CEO of Pacific Rugby Players Welfare who's website is here: https://www.pacificrugbywelfare.com/ Read more

Published: 19th September, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Juan Figallo - Argentina 24 Caps

Juan Figallo - Argentina 24 Caps

Juan Figallo, "Chipi" is an Argentinian Prop who plays club rugby for Saracens. He was in the Argentinian Rugby World Cup squad in 2011 and 2015, and was named tighthead prop of the tournament in 2011. Read more

Published: 10th August, 2018

Updated: 19th October, 2018

Author: Sally Pettipher

Location: Saracens, St Albans

Dicky Evans - Former Kenya Captain

Dicky Evans - Former Kenya Captain

Former Captain of Kenya and East Africa rugby teams, Richard "Dicky" Evans, remains a driving force in rugby in Kenya and in the UK. Through his work with Atlas, with the Nondescripts Rugby Club in Kenya and the Cornish Pirates in the UK, through his personal generosity, and through his Hemingways Foundation, he supports rugby and child development across both countries. Read more

Published: 5th August, 2018

Updated: 4th November, 2020

Author: Atlas Foundation

Ian Robertson - Scotland 8 Caps

Ian Robertson - Scotland 8 Caps

Ian Robertson is a Scottish broadcaster, writer and former international rugby player. He is best known as a rugby union commentator for BBC Radio. Read more

Published: 4th August, 2018

Updated: 24th August, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Dan Crowley - Australia 55 Caps

Dan Crowley - Australia 55 Caps

Dan played prop for Australia and is one of a very select band of players to be a double world champion having won Rugby World Cups in 1991 and 1999. He also worked as an undercover police officer specialising in busting drug-rings. He has written of these experiences in a book Undercover Prop. Read more

Published: 1st August, 2018

Updated: 22nd November, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Alistair Hargreaves - South Africa 4 Caps

Alistair Hargreaves - South Africa 4 Caps

Alistair Hargreaves is a former rugby union player that played as a lock. He has played for Sharks and Saracens and has picked up 4 caps playing for South Africa. Read more

Published: 24th July, 2018

Updated: 25th July, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Stefan Terblanche - South Africa 37 Caps

Stefan Terblanche - South Africa 37 Caps

Stefan Terblanche has gained 37 caps for South Africa. He has played for Sharks, Boland Cavaliers, Ulster and Ospreys. Stefan delivers Atlas All Schools programmes in South Africa. Read more

Published: 23rd July, 2018

Updated: 25th July, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Bob Harris - Wales

Bob Harris - Wales

Bob Harris is a former Welsh rugby international and stalwart of the grassroots game. Having seen Atlas’s work with children in Africa, Bob is the driving force behind establishing Atlas in Wales. Read more

Published: 23rd July, 2018

Updated: 5th May, 2020

Author: Atlas Foundation

Jérôme Riondet - France

Jérôme Riondet - France

Jérôme was the first ever French Blue. He went onto play for France, Harlequins and Racing Club and is now a journalist and TV commentator. He is the founder and President of Atlas France. Read more

Published: 23rd July, 2018

Updated: 5th May, 2020

Author: Atlas Foundation

Martyn Williams - Wales 100 Caps

Martyn Williams - Wales 100 Caps

Martyn is a flanker who appeared 100 times for Wales, 4 for the British and Irish Lions, and captained his country. He currently holds the Welsh record for most appearances in the Five and Six Nations championships. Read more

Published: 18th July, 2018

Updated: 25th July, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

Darren Morris - Wales 18 Caps

Darren Morris - Wales 18 Caps

Darren Morris made his Senior Wales début on 6 June 1998 against Zimbabwe. He played in the 2001 Six Nations and toured on the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. Read more

Published: 17th July, 2018

Updated: 30th March, 2021

Author: Atlas Foundation

Peter Rogers - Wales 18 Caps

Peter Rogers - Wales 18 Caps

Peter is a former Prop who played for Wales, but played most of his club rugby in South Africa. His strong links and knowledge of the country make him a valuable Champion of our work both in Wales, and in Africa. Read more

Published: 17th July, 2018

Updated: 25th July, 2018

Author: Atlas Foundation

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Showing 10 of 54

Latest

  • Ultra Challenge - Cotswold Way

    Ultra Challenge - Cotswold Way

    Walk, jog, or trek through the heart of the Cotswolds. Rolling hills, villages, and the magical Cotswold Way with footpaths and trails awaits the 2000 adventurers ready to test themselves. Full support and hospitality included

  • Argentina, Virreyes Rugby Club

    Argentina, Virreyes Rugby Club

    The Argentina All Schools programme is working with 6 clubs and 20 schools in the suburbs surrounding Buenos Aires where there are a number of shanty towns, issues of poor education and health, and high crime and unemployment rates.

  • Cambodia, Kampuchea Balopp

    Cambodia, Kampuchea Balopp

    Kampuchea Balopp gives disabled and disadvantaged children in Cambodia access to sport to aid social inclusion and education

  • England, STAR Scheme

    England, STAR Scheme

    The STAR Scheme is The Atlas Foundation's latest local partner, operating in South-West England. The STAR Scheme uses its rugby network of grassroot rugby clubs and coaches to support children growing up with difficult childhoods, offering them help and guidance to overcoming the experiences

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  • Top 10 Benefits of Rugby

    Top 10 Benefits of Rugby

    An opinion piece from a Health and Fitness Journal, rather than an empirical study, but a valid list of benefits nonetheless.

  • Jungle Crows - Khelo Rugby

    Jungle Crows - Khelo Rugby

    The Atlas Foundation supports The Jungle Crows with the Khelo Rugby project in 35 locations in Kolkata and North Bengal, benefiting nearly 2000 children each week.

  • What We Do

    What We Do

  • Front Row Club Closure

  • Anita, Alex & Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund

    Anita, Alex & Annabel Nicholson Memorial Fund

    Set up by Ben Nicholson in memory of his wife Anita and their two children Alex and Annabel who tragically lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday 2019.

  • England Deaf Rugby Union

    England Deaf Rugby Union

    EDRU was set up by a group of deaf sports enthusiasts with the purpose of promoting the playing of rugby union by deaf and hard of hearing players.

  • Ben Nicholson interview Easter Sunday 2020

    Ben Nicholson interview Easter Sunday 2020

    Read the moving interview with Ben Nicholson in the Sunday Times. “Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings: one year on from the terror that killed my wife and children.”

  • History

    History

    Don't need summary

  • Ed Cooper Memorial Fund

    Ed Cooper Memorial Fund

    Following Ed's tragic death this Memorial Fund has been established to honour his memory. Ed's family will use it to further the charitable work that Ed did in South Africa when he toured there with his rugby team.

  • Atlas South Africa

    Atlas South Africa

    Atlas South Africa was founded in 2018 after a successful Atlas Trek to Botswana and Zimbabwe attended by South African Rugby Champions. Since then two successful rides in the Cape Town Cycling Tour as well as six thriving projects have made a fantastic start for Atlas South Africa.

Tag cloud

All Schools anita nicholson Argentina Atlas Atlas Foundation Atlas France ben nicholson Chipi Israel Jason Leonard Juan Figallo Kenya mako memorial Rugby Simon Shaw

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