Champions 2003 Foundation

Champions 2003 Foundation

Become the
first donor!

  • About

Together, we can turn the legacy of 2003 into a lifeline for the next generation

Twenty years after their historic Rugby World Cup triumph, the 2003 England squad are uniting once more, but this time to create lasting impact off the field.

The Champions 2003 Foundation turns the spirit of teamwork, resilience and unity into action, helping today’s players build strong, fulfilling futures when their playing days are over.

What we do - championing players beyond the game

A rugby career can end in an instant, and for many, that’s when the real challenges begin. 70% of players don’t finish on their own terms and over half face financial or wellbeing struggles within five years of retiring.

The Champions 2003 Foundation funds programmes that help players:

  • Rediscover purpose and identity
  • Build new careers and skills
  • Protect their mental and physical wellbeing

In partnership with Switch the Play Foundation - together, building brighter futures for life after sport

To make the biggest difference, the 2003 team have joined forces with Switch the Play Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping all sportspeople transition into life beyond sport.

Together, we’re already delivering life-changing initiatives for former athletes, including Evolve and Thrive, an 11-month transition and mentoring programme, and Switched On, which provides tailored coaching, mental wellbeing support, and career pathway guidance.

But there’s so much more work to be done.

Why your support matters - help us create lasting change for rugby’s next generation

Every player deserves a future filled with purpose and possibility when they reach the end of their career. Every donation helps extend our support to more players preparing for their next chapter by funding mentoring, coaching and mental health support to help players prepare for life beyond rugby.

Donate today to help us keep the spirit of 2003 alive by supporting those who gave their all to the game we love.