Champions 2003 Foundation

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 will be the Evolve & Thrive Rugby Programme, launching in January 2026. Designed for 20 players approaching retirement, this 11-month programme offers 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.

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: champions2003foundation@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