The Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has once again thrown its support behind a remarkable group of organisations using rugby’s values of teamwork, respect and community to change lives.
A Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust spokesperson said:
“We are proud to be supporting so many great causes and all the great work they do. Barbarians F.C is supported across the world on the field and since its inception in 2004 Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has been repaying that support by itself supporting worthwhile causes across the world and we are delighted to be continuing to do that.”
In its latest round of grants — totalling £106,000 — the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust has funded 10 outstanding projects across the UK, Ireland, and Africa, each using sport as a force for good.
Championing Mental Health and Inclusion
From Cardiff to Belfast, rugby is helping people open up and connect. The Speakeasy Club is using rugby to spark conversations around mental health, aiming to make wellbeing support free and accessible in every community rugby club.
In Northern Ireland, the Malone Tornadoes Mixed Ability Rugby Team are breaking down barriers, bringing players with and without disabilities together on the same pitch to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
International Mixed Ability Sports, will use their grant to help players from around the world attend the next IMART (International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament).
Meanwhile, Brave Mind — a returning grantee — continues its mission to normalise mental health conversations in grassroots and university rugby. Their latest funding will expand their successful education programmes to more clubs and students across the UK.
Building Confidence and Community Through Sport
Beyond the UK, the Trust is helping rugby’s spirit reach new corners of the globe. Bhubesi Pride Foundation, working in Malawi, uses sport to empower young people, build leadership skills and create lasting social change.
DBA Sports Africa will use their support to run youth empowerment programmes across Kenya and Uganda — blending rugby, education and leadership to help young people thrive on and off the field.
Back in Ireland, Creggs Rugby Club is receiving a grant to expand its inclusive rugby and community fitness initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities. And in Wales, the Welsh Sports Foundation will use its funding to give children across the country access to sport through a voucher scheme that helps families overcome financial barriers.
Honouring Courage and Supporting Heroes
The Trust is also proud to support projects honouring rugby’s rich history and service. The Front Line Naval Chaplains’ Kit Tanner Painting Project will commemorate the bravery of former Barbarian and England player Kit Tanner, who gave his life saving 30 sailors during WWII.
Finally, Scotland’s Erskine Veterans Charity will receive funding to enhance sports days, wellbeing activities and physiotherapy services for veterans living with physical and mental challenges.
