Trustees

Jason Leonard OBE Former England prop, appeared for England 114 times plus 5 times for the British and Irish Lions, and won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was President of the RFU in 2015 and hosted the Rugby World Cup in England. As well as having a busy and successful corporate career, he is a prolific supporter of charities and has raised over £2M through his annual dinners for a number of rugby, youth and health charities. Jason founded Atlas and remains Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Lord Addington Dominic Hubbard, 6th Baron Addington, is a British Peer who speaks in the House of Lords on Sport and Disability. He was a founder member and remains Captain of the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Union Club, playing as prop for the Parliamentary team.
Michael Whitfield Michael joined the Atlas Board in January 2018. Michael founded Thomsons Online Benefits and adds value to a diverse portfolio of early stage technology businesses. He sits on the Board of a number of charities, that all help young people get on in life. He is also Chairman of Barnes RFC, father of five children, and also has a new grandson to keep him busy.
Neil Blair Neil joined the ATLAS Board in January 2018 and is Chairing the Atlas All Schools group. He is J.K. Rowling’s agent, Founding Partner of The Blair Partnership and Chairman of Pottermore. He is a keen rugby fan and Saracen’s supporter. Neil is involved in a number of charitable causes including Lumos and The Abraham Fund Initiatives.
Maro Itoje Maro is an established international for England and the British & Irish Lions. Beyond the game Maro has a degree in politics and is interested in international development, gender equality and human rights. His family is Nigerian and he brings a focus to the Board to improve the reach and impact of Atlas’s work with children across Africa. Photo courtesy of Vicki Couchman Photography.
John Clougherty 'Clocks', as he's known to us, joined the Board in February 2019. He is Head of UK Wholesale Fidelity International, an international investment management company. A keen trekker, John has scaled mountains in Europe, Africa and Asia. He has also visited our projects in Zimbabwe and India.
Fiona Stockley Fiona is the General Manager of an NHS child mental health service for the East London Foundation Trust, which is CQC accredited as outstanding. She has worked for over a decade in professional sport across men’s rugby and football; operationally managing stadia, events and retail. As well as training as a teacher in 1999 she also volunteered as a special police officer in the Metropolitan police. "Stockers" was a rugby player for Wasps and England and since retiring in 2008 has volunteered at Wasps Ladies her club for nearly 20 years. She is the women’s coordinator at the “Barbarians RFC” supporting the committee to create the inaugural womens team in 2017.

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!

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'.