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ATLAS works in some places with high indices of corruption.

To ensure that our money reaches the right destination and children benefit, we work through a global network of Rugby Champions, making sure that our projects are solid, and that our money is spent properly.

These icons of sport are involved in every facet of our work, from media and fundraising and working directly with young people in their communities with Atlas and their own foundations. 

Our Champions

We are honoured to be joined by John Smit, former Springbok Rugby Captain who played for the Springboks in 111 tests, beat the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and won the Rugby World Cup in 2007, is the lead champion of Atlas SA along with other former Springbok internationals including Babalwa Latsha, Percy Montgomery, Bob Skinstad, Stefan Terblanche, Joel Stransky, Matt Stevens, Joe Pietersen, Jake Boer, De Wet Barry and Nick Mallett.

Look out for these iconic sportsmen representing Atlas across Southern Africa with their commitment to uplifting and empowering young boys and girls through the team culture and spirit of rugby.

John Smit John William Smit, OIS, is a South African former rugby union player and former chief executive officer of the Sharks. He was the 50th captain of the South Africa national team, and led the team to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Nick Mallett Nick Mallett is a former South African rugby union player who played for the Springboks, South Africa's national rugby union team, in 1984. He also coached the Springboks between 1997 and 2000 and was the head coach of Italy's rugby union team between 2007 and 2011.
Percy Montgomery Percy Montgomery OIS is a retired South African rugby union player. When he ended his international career in August 2008, he held the all-time records for both caps and points for the Springboks.
Babalwa Latsha Springbok Womens rugby player, Babalwa Latsha was recently named as one of Rugby Africa's 12 'unstoppable' women in rugby. South Africa (07 October 2020) – Babalwa Latsha has been named one of the top 12 leading women in rugby in Africa. She is also the only pro women's rugby player in Africa.
Joe Pietersen Joe Pietersen is a South African rugby union player who currently plays as the fly-half for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby.
De Wet Barry De Wet Barry is a South African former rugby union footballer who played 38 test matches for the South Africa (the Springboks). In 2000, he made his Springbok debut against Canada in East London.
Matt Stevens Matt Stevens is a rugby union player who plays for Toulon in France's Top 14 and won 39 caps for England between 2004 and 2012. Born in Durban, South Africa, to English parents, he can play in both prop positions, and most of his England appearances were at tighthead.
Joel Stransky Joel Stransky is a South African former rugby union player. A fly-half, he is known for scoring all of South Africa's points, including the winning drop goal, against New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
Stefan Terblanche Stefan Terblanche is a former South African rugby union player. He played wing, centre and fullback.
Bob Skinstad Bob Skinstad is a rugby union player who has represented the  the Springboks and captained the team. He played in the positions of flanker and number eight.
Jake Boer Jake Boer played club rugby in South Africa for the Villager Football Club and Cape Town. He starred in the same Western Province Schools and under 21 teams as former South Africa captain Corne Krige and star centre Robbie Fleck.