Matt Hampson - England U21

Since his accident in 2005 during an England Under 21 rugby training session, Matt has battled hard to live as normal a life as possible. Paralysed from the neck down and breathing via the aid of a ventilator, Matt didn’t lament what he’d lost, but instead decided to focus on the things he could still do and get busy living. Matt established the Matt Hampson Foundation in 2011 to help others like him who have suffered similar catastrophic injuries through sport to receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

As well as his Foundation duties which include, visiting, mentoring, providing advice and fundraising, Matt delivers inspirational talks to young people and businesses around the country. He is also an ambassador for both the RFU's injured Players Fund and Restart (The Professional Rugby Association's charity). Matt is also patron of Special Effect, a charity set up to help disabled children communicate through technology.

Matt's book 'Engage' describes the circumstances surrounding his accident and subsequent rehabilitation. It received critical acclaim and won a sports book of the year award. Matt has also written columns for the Leicester Mercury, Rugby World Magazine and Sky News as well as featuring regularly on TV and in the written press.

Matt was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours for his incredible achievements.

If anyone epitomises the Foundation's ethos of 'Get Busy Living' it is Matt Hampson.

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!

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.
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.
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.
John Eales - Australia 86 Caps

John Eales AM is regarded as one of the greatest rugby players Australia has ever produced. He took the Wallabies through two successful World Cups, and led Australia through three Bledisloe Cup, two Tri- Nations and a British and Irish Lions series victory.
Percy Montgomery - South Africa 102 Caps

When Percy ended his international career in August 2008, he held the all-time records for both caps and points for South Africa. Now an Atlas Rugby Champion, he helps across the world, raising support and helping with rugby, education and career coaching for disadvantaged young people.

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

Don't need summary
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'.