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

Esther's Story

On #InternationalDayforSportforDevelopmentandPeace we are celebrating Esther at Bhubesi Pride Foundation who is helping girls in Malawi overcome the challenges of menstrual poverty. Read Esther's Story to learn how BPF supports girls like Esther through sport and education.
TackleLondon 11th April Donations Welcome

You are making a positive difference through sports mentoring and making Young Londoners part of the "Rugby Family" and giving them a "Rugby Home" where they can feel confident, grow and prosper. Young people need help, now more than ever.
Ballarat Marathon - Tony Faneco

About a year ago my mate @Ben Nicholson suggested we run the London marathon to recognise that 5 years have passed since Anita, Annabel and Alex ⭐️⭐️⭐️ were taken from us.

In their memory I aim to raise as much money as I can for The Atlas Foundation whose projects support children and give them the opportunity to thrive through rugby communities and initiatives.
Empowering young people at the Urban Rugby Championships!

Over 230 kids from minority and under-resourced communities across America came together for the 2024 Urban Rugby Championships in Washington DC. The URC is an incredible opportunity for these kids and shows the transformative impact rugby has in empowering and inspiring disadvantaged young people!

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
Atlas 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.
Our Story

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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.
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.
The Atlas Foundation
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 Ian Williams Foundation Fund

Weʼre raising £50,000 to contribute to causes close to Ian Michael Williams' heart, keeping his legacy alive and continuing his impact on the world.
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'.