Global Rugby Players Foundation
At a glance
Key takeaways
- This funder's work centres on former professional rugby players, covering mental health, career support and connection after they leave the game, so a charity whose work does not reach those players is unlikely to fit.
- Its stated priority areas are Ireland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and South Africa, and its grant funding has supported pilot programmes in those places, so a group working there with former players has the clearest match.
- The annual report gives no grant range and no published application process, and the contact shown is for getting in touch, so a short enquiry before a full request is the sensible first step.
- Do not apply for support for individuals who have not played internationally for their country or held a professional contract in either 7s or 15s rugby after the cut-off date the foundation sets, as it does not fund them.
Overview
Global Rugby Players Foundation is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1204658).
The Global Rugby Players Foundation exists to help professional rugby players have a healthy and fulfilling life after they leave the game, including facing the loss of identity that can come with leaving it. It was created by the players, for the players. Its work is organised around three programmes: a confidential mental health support line, individual career support sessions, and connection through monthly forum meetings and events. Its annual giving was £258,657 in its latest annual report, though that total may include grants to individuals.
What they fund
Priority Areas
The foundation supports professional rugby players as they navigate life after rugby and aims to help them achieve their full potential beyond the game. It develops local responses to the global challenges players face after leaving rugby, using an evidence-informed approach that tailors support to players’ needs and priorities. Its programmes are delivered in partnership with trusted delivery partners. Services focus on confidential mental health support, individual career support and connection through forums and events. It aims to provide learning modules in health and wellbeing, education, mental health and financial good health. Grant funding supports pilot programmes providing support and services to players in Ireland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and South Africa, with further awards intended to broaden services for former players globally.
Themes
- Mental health support
- Career support
- Player connection
Geographic Focus
Priority: Ireland; New Zealand; the Pacific Islands; South Africa.
What they don't fund
- Support for individuals who have not played internationally for their country or held a professional contract in either 7s or 15s rugby after 1 September 1995
How to apply
No application process is published in the charity's annual report, its register entry or its website. The contact shown is for getting in touch.
Where they fund
Where it says it funds
- Fiji
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Samoa
- South Africa
- Tonga
Similar funders
Funders supporting work similar to Global Rugby Players Foundation.
Grants
Not included above: 4 whose recipient could not be identified.
2 years of accounts
| Financial year | Income | Expenditure | Grants paid | Accounts document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| year to 31 March 2024 | £0 | £0 | — | Accounts for year to 31 March 2024 |
| year to 31 March 2025 | £979,201 | £771,435 | £258,657 | Accounts for year to 31 March 2025 |
- Grants paid, year to 31 March 2025: the accounts do not say whether this is grants awarded or paid.
Figures from the charity’s filed accounts and its register entry. The document icon links to the charity’s entry on the Charity Commission register, where its filed accounts can be found.
Sources
Registers and filings
Other sources
- rugbyplayersfoundation.com · read on 30 October 2026
- rugbyplayersfoundation.com/services · read on 30 October 2026
- rugbyplayersfoundation.com/about · read on 30 October 2026
- rugbyplayersfoundation.com/contact · read on 30 October 2026
- Annual report (year to 31 March 2025)
This profile draws on the funder’s own website as well as its filed accounts.
Sources last checked on 30 October 2026.
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At a glance
Applying to Global Rugby Players Foundation?
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Applying to Global Rugby Players Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required