Supporting Veterans' Transition Through Rugby
Providing military personnel with a toolkit to take the first steps towards a seamless transition into civilian life – together.
Supporting our veterans in life after service – through the power of sport.
Rugby For Heroes exists to make sure no veteran faces the journey to civilian life alone. Leaving the military can be one of the biggest challenges a serviceperson will ever face. Rugby For Heroes provides a network of professional experts who specialise in professional development, employment opportunities, well-being support, and rugby coaching qualifications (Level 2 ERCA badge) to help us connect veterans with the support they need for this life-changing journey.
Through our initiatives such as the Transition Through Rugby coaching course and Beyond the Uniform veterans’ business networking, and the support of Patron Mike Tindall MBE, and leaders across sport and business, Rugby For Heroes opens doors to lasting opportunities and support networks.
Our free Transition Through Rugby residential coaching course gives veterans the chance to earn their Level 2 ERCA rugby coaching badge, accredited by England Rugby. This course empowers veterans to coach their local clubs at any level through the power of the sport we love, whilst providing a supportive community to aid their transition into civilian life.
Our Beyond The Uniform Veterans Business Networking Event is part of Rugby for Heroes’ wider programme to support service leavers by connecting them with employers and preparing them for life beyond the military. Beyond The Uniform opens doors into civilian careers by connecting veterans with our business network in a job fair setting.
Transition is about more than finding a new job, it’s about finding identity, purpose and confidence. Our well-being and veterans support groups create a safe space for veterans to share experiences, access guidance, and rediscover a sense of belonging within a positive, supportive community with like-minded individuals who have served.
With the backing of Patron and former England captain Mike Tindall MBE and the support of a growing network of ambassadors, including Amy Williams MBE, Julian Lewis Jones, Nick Knowles, alongside business partners, we create real opportunities for veterans to build a strong, confident future. Through fundraising events that highlight the transition impact, we are able to provide access to create lasting change.
Supporting veterans on their transition
How We Help
Ways to donate
Support a Transitioning Veteran Today
TRANSITION THROUGH RUGBY
GAIN LEVEL 2 RUGBY COACHING BADGE
Supporting our serving and former veterans find purpose through our Transition Through Rugby Course (check eligibility). Our nationally certified Level 2 ERCA (England Rugby) course has been specifically designed to provide our service leavers and military personnel the skills and knowledge required to coach from grassroots level rugby, mini, junior & senior rugby. This nationally recognised qualification can be utilised in any rugby club throughout the UK.
OUR NEXT UPCOMING COURSE
21-26 SEPTEMBER 2025
At Old Richians RFC, Sandyleaze, GL2 0PY.
Click here to apply.
FUTURE COURSES
8-13 FEBRUARY 2026
At Old Richians RFC, Sandyleaze, GL2 0PY.
Fill in Form OR-102 provided
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Who We Help
Craig Dawson
I really struggled with my confidence in my current understanding of the game and knowledge of coaching ideas however the RFU and Rugby for heroes team made sure they implemented practical coaching sessions which really helped with my progression. I have really...
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Upcoming Events & Fundraising
Monthly Veterans Coffee Morning
Looking to connect with other veterans in a welcoming, supportive environment? Our Monthly Veterans Coffee Morning is a place for former servicemen and women to gather, talk, and find genuine camaraderie over a cup of coffee or tea. This gathering is more than just a...
Royal Air Force Akrotiri Cyprus Visit: A Charity Event from 15-19 October 2024
Between 15 and 19 October 2024, a rare opportunity will take place at Royal Air Force Akrotiri, a vital operational airfield on the southern tip of Cyprus. RAF Akrotiri is central to UK Defence efforts in the Middle East, serving as a busy yet secure base in a region...
Monthly Veterans Coffee Morning
We’ve been inspired by the strong interest in creating a space for our servicemen and women, so we are excited to extend an arm and our family to you all at our Coffee/Tea Morning ☕🍵—a warm, caring, and relaxing environment where you can socialise, connect, and feel...
"Having spent most of my career in the military in preseasons, we formed quite a bond with the military… When you come out, you can feel lost... What Rugby for Heroes is trying to do is bridge that gap and show that rugby is another place you can go, another family you can find when you leave the military."
Patron, Mike Tindall
Meet Our Ambassadors
Thinus Delport
Thinus Delport is a South African ex rugby union player who played at wing or fullback for Worcester Warriors and South Africa. He started his career playing for the Lions from U21 level and he made his senior debut in 1997. Thinus has been a great ambassador for the charity, regularly attending dinners, putting his boots on to captain our charity rugby team, and most importantly leading our Transition Through Rugby courses for military men and women.
Julian Lewis Jones
With a 20-year career as a well-known Welsh actor, Julian Lewis Jones has been a dedicated Rugby For Heroes Ambassador with a very close personal connection to rugby. Most recently the face of the Six Nations Welsh campaign, Julian has been a long-standing and supportive figure within the charity, playing an active role in championing our cause. He even took on the #Welsh3000s mountain challenge in support of our veterans’ transition.
Amy Williams MBE
Kelly Sotherton MBE
Ryan Lamb
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Our Sponsors
Companies that would love to get involved – please get in touch via the form on the contact page
