Champions 2003 Partnership

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. Through their Champions 2003 Foundation, established in collaboration with Switch the Play, they are turning the spirit of teamwork, resilience and unity into action, helping today’s players build strong, fulfilling futures when their playing days are over.

A rugby career can end in an instant, and for many players, that’s when the real challenges begin. Around 70% of players don’t finish on their own terms, often due to injury or contracts not being renewed, and over half experience financial or mental health struggles within five years of retiring.

The Champions 2003 Foundation funds targeted programmes designed to help players navigate this transition, rediscover their purpose and identity, and build new careers and skills. Alongside career development, the Foundation provides tailored support for mental and physical wellbeing, ensuring players have the tools, guidance and community they need to thrive in life beyond rugby.

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. Since 2014, we have helped thousands of athletes identify new goals, rediscover purpose and build sustainable futures. 

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

The collaboration between Champions 2003 and Switch the Play aligns two organisations with a shared purpose: ensuring every player, past and present, is equipped to thrive off the pitch. By combining the reach and profile of the World Cup-winning team with Switch the Play’s proven expertise, this collaboration maximises impact, efficiency and the positive use of charitable funds.

Switch the Play's first exciting programme funded by the Champions 2003 Foundation is the Evolve & Thrive Rugby Programme, which launched in March 2026. Designed for 20 players approaching retirement, the 9-month programme includes personalised mentoring, wellbeing support, and structured personal development to support players transitioning out of their professional careers.

Through initiatives like this, players will gain the skills, confidence and community they need to plan for life after sport.

Alongside the Evolve & Thrive Programme, Champions 2003 Foundation and Switch the Play, have launched a new player support fund to help former professional rugby players access accredited education and training that supports their careers beyond sport.

Recognising that playing careers are often short and many players retire without the qualifications or financial means to pursue further study, the programme provides tailored support alongside grants of up to £10,000.

Funding available

Former professional rugby players can apply for:

• Grants of up to £2,000 (applicants must contribute at least 25% of course costs).
• Grants from £2,000 to £10,000 (applicants must contribute at least 50% of course costs).

Funding can support a wide range of accredited education and training, including NGB and accredited coaching qualifications (not limited to RFU coaching courses), Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND), undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, Level 3–7 vocational and professional qualifications, NVQs, and specialist qualifications in areas such as business, finance, entrepreneurship, media, journalism and broadcasting. 

Who can apply

Applicants must:

• Have held a professional contract with an RFU-registered club and provide evidence of their professional playing career (such as a contract, club registration or equivalent documentation)
• Demonstrate that the cost of the course is a genuine financial barrier to progressing their career
• Provide evidence of course costs, such as proof of enrolment, a pro-forma invoice or full course fee details
• Be applying for a course that starts after funding is awarded, although courses that began on or after 1st January 2026 may also be considered, provided all other eligibility criteria are met
• Demonstrate a clear link between the course and their future career aspirations.

How to apply

Applications are open on a rolling basis until 30th August 2027, or until available funding has been allocated.

The process begins with a registration of interest, followed by a conversation with the Switch the Play Athlete Services Team before players submit a full application. Applicants will normally receive a decision within four weeks.

Please note: Grant funding is awarded on a competitive basis and is subject to available funding. However, every applicant will receive a Discovery Call and have access to Switch the Play's fully-funded support services, regardless of the outcome of their grant application. Grants are awarded for one year, and successful applicants may apply for funding for subsequent years, subject to future funding availability. 

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 a future after their professional sports careers have ended.

If you’d like to contribute or donate, please visit our Enthuse page.

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

For more information or any queries, please email: Ben.Breeze@switchtheplay.com.

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at Switch the Play. You have made a life changing impact on me. Not only the financial aid but the mentorship, support and the belief you have in me.

- Donnie Macfadyen, former Scotland International Rugby Union player