More About Jason Leonard OBE

Jason Leonard | Charity

Jason Leonard is Founder and Chairman of the Atlas Foundation, which exists to help deprived children around the world work towards a better future through rugby communities and initiatives. Since it began, over £4million has been raised, and 190,000 children have been supported in more than 40 communities in 19 countries.

Atlas Foundation uses its global network of rugby champions to identify communities where there is a need and an ability for the charity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. It uses rugby to engage and inspire children in a safe, fun environment. Working alongside the community, it identifies the specific barriers children face and partners with a range of local organisations to deliver additional tailored support across education, health, and inclusion.

Jason spends an enormous amount of time working on behalf of many other charities to support fundraising and raise awareness for their causes.

Jason Leonard | Post-Retirement

Since retiring in 2004, Jason Leonard has remained a huge presence in global rugby, where he is highly active, providing his administrative experience and expertise at the board level. He was the Chairman of the British & Irish Lions from 2018-2022 and remains on the Executive Board. He was President of England Rugby(RFU) from 2015-16 when England hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Jason Leonard OBE | The Autobiography

In 2001, Jason first published Jason Leonard: The Autobiography, which tells his story starting in the days of amateur rugby, when the Cockney Carpenter began playing for Barking. The book tells of his big break, which came when he was invited to join the England squad for their tour to Argentina in 1990.

Rob Andrew, Will Carling, Lawrence Dallaglio, Brian Moore, Dick Best and Clive Woodward are just some of the high-profile characters of whom Leonard has plenty of stories to tell. He also recalls some of the greats such as David Campese and Jonah Lomu, whom he has played with or against on Lions tours, for the Barbarians and in three World Cups.

Jason Leonard OBE | Speaker