Atlas Ireland

Who we are

Atlas Ireland is headed by International Legend, Shane Byrne. With Shane's touring history for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, he is very aware of the poverty that he saw overseas. Therefore Atlas Ireland is born from his desire and will to focus on addressing similar issues in other continents as well as close to home.

Registered Charity Number (RCN) 20205774

Our projects

Focusing on rugby as a tool for peace, reconciliation and social inclusion, Shane reflects on his experience of rugby as a uniting power between the North and South of his country. Atlas Ireland is proud that rugby has a history of playing across borders irrespective of underlying tensions.

We are partnered with International Mixed Ability Sports, offering the chance to achieve higher levels of social inclusion with an emphasis on marginalised young people. This includes those recovering from trauma, those with physical disabilities, life-limiting illnesses and mental health issues. By participating in Mixed Ability Rugby sessions, it aims to create an inclusive, representative and fun environment that breaks down barriers and stigma, and creates strong supportive bonds.

Shane has also already visited Zimbabwe and Zambia where he handed out boots and balls to the children there who otherwise played barefoot.

Latest

Malindzisa's Story

SKRUM's has a life long impact on many children, and has transformed Malindzisa's life for the better. The lessons SKRUM teaches have shown Malindzisa that he can have a healthy and happy future, despite extremely high rates of HIV/AIDS that plague his community. Malindzisa now wishes to give back to his community, by training as a rugby coach with SKRUM, and studying medicine at university!
Help our partners SKRUM on World Aids Day!

Help our partners SKRUM give children a life free from fear of HIV/AIDS by donating today! Eswatini has the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, but with the help of SKRUM, infection rates are finally falling.
How will you help us on #GivingTuesday?

It’s #GivingTuesday and the start of the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge! Donate today to have your donations doubled by Big Give - meaning you will have twice the impact for children in Eswatini!
Girly's Story

SKRUM is helping Girly see a way towards a brighter future, despite the daily challenges Girly faces in a deep-rooted patriarchal culture, where gender inequality and violence are sadly far too common. With your help, SKRUM are able to educate girls in Eswatini on female rights, and health and hygiene, empowering them to take control of their futures.

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, six projects across 3 southern African countries have guided 49,437 children through education, mentoring, health, and employment opportunities for their future.
Atlas USA

In 2017 a charity golf day at the Las Vegas Sevens raised funds for Atlas to support disadvantaged children in the USA. In 2019 a Board came together to establish this legally as a branch of Atlas focussed on helping children across the Americas. In February 2020 Atlas USA was legally recognised and registered as a 501c3
France

Atlas France a été créé pour aider les enfants de toute la francophonie grâce au rugby. Atlas et des Champions Français et Internationaux de rugby en France sont en train de mettre en place un solide programme d'éducation et d'assistance sociale pour certains des enfants les plus pauvres de la planète.
Atlas Asia

The Nicholson Memorial Fund was 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. With the help of Ben Nicholson, a fitting legacy has been created in the establishment and work of 'Atlas Asia'.

Our Vision
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

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.
Our Story

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Richmond Heavies Foundation Presents ‘A Series of Extraordinary Events’

The Richmond Heavies Foundation are organising A Series Of Extraordinary Events around the world, which include extraordinary superhuman challenges as well as achievable social activities, allowing all to get involved. All monies raised will go to the Richmond Heavies Foundation, which was founded after Richmond Rugby lost 3 very special friends, far too early.
Ed Cooper Memorial Fund

Ed was a big personality who lived life to the full, was loved dearly by his family and friends, and is missed hugely by all who knew him. He was a talented sportsman who enjoyed playing both codes of rugby and cricket. Following Ed’s death in 2016, this Memorial Fund was established to honour his memory.
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, six projects across 3 southern African countries have guided 49,437 children through education, mentoring, health, and employment opportunities for their future.
The Atlas Foundation
Atlas Asia

The Nicholson Memorial Fund was 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. With the help of Ben Nicholson, a fitting legacy has been created in the establishment and work of 'Atlas Asia'.
Rupert and Ben Swim around Manhattan

The ‘swimming prop’ Rupert Allhusen and his former Richmond team mate Ben Leigh are taking on the famous 20 Bridges Swim, a 28.5 mile swim around Manhattan island in New York to raise money for their respective charities.