We are delighted to have been recognised in Daniel Schofield's heart-warming Telegraph article this afternoon, which focused upon the incredible nature of rugby and it's particular capacity for good, even in times of adversity. 

The article explained the tragic story of Taylor Gough, an up and coming Leicester Tigers player, who sustained devastating and life-changing spinal injuries after being involved within major car accident in June of this year. The 20-year-old academy product had made just one senior appearance for the club in a Premiership Cup match against Northampton in 2019, and according to his family, it is unlikely his injuries will allow him to ever play again. A story that echoes the tragedy of former English rugby union prop Matt Hampson who became paralysed from the neck down, after a scrummaging accident when practicing with England under-21 squad in March 2005.

Nonetheless, as Schofield explains the rugby family always supports it own. Within just 48 hours of an appeal being launched for Gough by Leicester and the Matt Hampson Foundation, a Just Giving appeal had raised just short of £30,000 with donations flooding in from clubs and fans all over the country. Even within the economic adversity of Covid-19, the rugby family still stood strong to support Gough and offer financial security. 

The Atlas Foundation played a role in supporting Hampson last year through financially supporting the creation his Get Busy Living Centre, a pioneering rehabilitation centre for those who have suffered signifiant spinal injuries. It is true, the rugby community is powerful and we take pride in spreading it and all its values around the world with international development. 

Schofield says:

"It (Atlas) boasts countless case studies of bringing long-term transformations in the lives of some of the world’s poorest communities."

We are delighted with this recognition and agree that despite rugby having taken a hit over the past months, it is 'an amazing sport full of amazing people'. We know the rugby family looked after Matt and it will continue look after Taylor.  

To read the full article and see Schofield's fulls quote, see below: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/07/16/months-infighting-rugby-has-rallied-around-taylor-gough/#comment