In recognition of over 30 years of raising charitable funds and services to rugby, our Atlas Ambassador, Richard “Juggler” Austin has been honoured in the 2026 New Year’s Honours list to become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
His dedication to the sport and numerous rugby charities, including the Injured Players Foundation, and support to the Atlas Foundation since it was established in 2o15, has been compelling.
A County President With Charitable Vision
Richard ‘Juggler’ Austin has been a stalwart of Essex rugby for over two decades, moving to the area in 2004; formerly at Barnet, Saracens, Finchley and then on to Old Brentwoods RFC. He joined the Essex County RFU in 2008 and became President in 2016-18, while still playing regular rugby.
In 2008, the “Essex Bishops XV” charity veterans’ team was formed, and he took over the captaincy during the inaugural season. Applying a charitable purpose to fixtures played, each game generated funds in the region of £500 and upwards and good causes were supported. To this day, the Essex Bishops XV remains a side that, once over 35, players aspire to play for. Many well-known players have represented this county side, including our own Jason Leonard OBE, former Trustees Jeff Probyn and the late Paul Rendall.
In 2013, following an epiphany to play 26 games of rugby over 4 days, his vision of “Ruggerthon” came to fruition. 42 players from 16 Essex rugby clubs all took part in a challenge that was to span the whole of the country, with the first game being played on the hallowed turf at the then Twickenham Stadium, up to Edinburgh and back to Essex. Over £20,000 was raised for the Injured Players Foundation during that event.
From Inclusive Rugby Player To President
Austin, born with unilateral hearing, is a former England Rugby International being capped for England Deaf Rugby Union. In 2014 he retired from playing for the side and was appointed Secretary in 2019, a role held for 5 years until becoming President in 2024.
As a mark of our own recognition to “Juggler”, he has been appointed as an Ambassador to our Foundation, and we thank him for his continued contributions to our work and fundraising.
To be honoured for the sport I adore, and my passion of helping others, came as a tremendous surprise.
I must thank all of those players that have played alongside me, friends and family who have supported all of my fundraising events, which enabled hundreds of thousands of pounds to be raised and channelled into to such important causes.
I am very much aware, that at times I have put my charity raising focus ahead of family life, but you have all been so understanding in my life’s journey, which is to offer a better future for those less fortunate and able.
