How wine can help with the ‘brutal reality’ for retired athletes

Last night, a host of rugby icons united with The Sporting Wine Club to support new charity Champions 2003, which aims to bring together retired players over a glass.

Last night, an exclusive fundraiser took place at The View from The Shard, hosted by former British Rugby Union players Matt Dawson, Neil Back, and Ben Cohen. The event raised money for Champions 2003, a newly launched charity dedicated to supporting former athletes as they transition to life after professional sport.

The charity was founded by members of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning team, who have reunited 20 years on to create Champions 2003. It aims to help athletes facing the mental, physical, and financial challenges that often accompany retirement from professional sport, providing vital support during this difficult transition.

The fundraiser was backed by the Sporting Wine Club, a members club founded in 2017 by former England rugby international Simon Halliday and business partner Chris Mariner. The club was created to offer athletes a sense of community, a chance to learn about wine, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for sport and wine.

Some of its members include footballer Lionel Messi, American football player Drew Bledsoe, along with former rugby player Mike Tindall.

A challenging reality for former athletes

Ben Cohen, a member of the 2003 World Cup squad, spoke movingly about the realities athletes face when their careers come to an abrupt end.

“Imagine if you were one day just told, all of a sudden, you couldn’t do your job anymore,” Cohen said. “That’s the brutal reality for athletes, everything is ripped from you in a matter of seconds.”

His words highlighted the need for charities like Champions 2003, which offer a vital lifeline to players navigating life beyond sport.

The event, set against the backdrop of London’s skyline, featured an intimate panel discussion. Guests enjoyed stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring value of community, alongside a selection of Sporting Wine Club’s wines including a South African Pinotage by Rugbyfield Vineyard.

The evening culminated in a charity auction, which included an extensive collection of sporting memorabilia. Among the items auctioned were a limited-edition shirt signed by the 2003 World Cup-winning squad, a Geoff Hurst football, a Pele shirt, and a ball signed by Jonny Wilkinson.