England Rugby joined The Atlas Foundation at Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute for a memorable day of coaching, inspiration and community engagement, celebrating the power of rugby to create opportunity and empower.
England Rugby Inspires the Next Generation
The Atlas Foundation was honoured to welcome England Rugby to Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute (GWRI) for a special coaching clinic with young women coaches and girls and boys from our local partner programme.
The visit provided an unforgettable opportunity for participants to receive world-class coaching, meet elite international players and experience first-hand the values that sit at the heart of rugby and the backbone of our Atlas mission.
A huge thank you to the UK High Commission and St Stithians School for helping make the day possible, and to our generous supporter SPUR for providing everyone with food and drink and goodie bags for the children.
The participants enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon filled with learning, laughter, and inspiration – truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
What stands out today is the connection between the players and these young women – not just as athletes, but as role models. The work Atlas is doing here in South Africa is about far more than rugby; it’s about keeping young people in education, building confidence, and opening up real opportunities. Bringing the England team into that environment makes it tangible – it shows what’s possible.
Empowering Girls Through Rugby
Empowering girls and young women is a key focus of our work. In 2025, 58% of the children we supported were female, reflecting our commitment to creating opportunities for girls to thrive through education and sport.
GWRI provides a safe and supportive environment for girls and young women who have experienced gender-based violence. Through mentorship, care, and opportunity, participants are empowered to rebuild their confidence and shape positive futures despite their past experiences.Many become coaches in local schools, creating a powerful cycle of mentorship and inspiration for the next generation.
Rugby is more than a game in this work: it is the entry point for trust, belonging and support. Its power lies in its ability to bring people together in safe and structured environments, translating values such as respect, teamwork and compassion into practical support.
The Impact of England Rugby's Visit
England Rugby’s engagement with GWRI shone a powerful light of recognition on the impactful work taking place in South Africa and the transformative role that sport can play in changing lives.
The coaching clinic showcased rugby’s unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds. By connecting an international team with a local community programme, the visit also celebrated the enduring partnership between the UK and South Africa in advancing education, inclusion and youth development.
We were really honoured to work with the England team on this. It meant a huge amount to the young people in our GWRI programme. At Atlas, our work is rooted in education and in giving children, especially girls, the confidence to believe in themselves. Moments such as this change perspectives, build hope, and remind every child that they matter.
