A recent Telegraph article by Rose Tanner, who was instrumental in establishing the Rosslyn Park Sevens as the world’s largest schools rugby tournament, reflects on the tournament's legacy and its life-changing impact. Big rugby names like Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Carling, and Tim Rodber competed at Rosslyn Park before achieving international rugby fame, highlighting the tournament's role as a vital proving ground for future stars. For nearly 25 years, Rose, with her husband Peter, championed this annual celebration of youth rugby, which has provided thousands of young players from diverse backgrounds a defining rite of passage.

The article highlights the inspiring story of Future Hope, a charity founded by Tim Grandage (W 71-76). In 1987, Tim, then working in Kolkata, witnessed the struggles of street children firsthand. Moved by their plight, he and his wife Erica established Future Hope, which has since educated 3,500 children, using rugby to teach teamwork and life skills. In 2002, a team from Future Hope competed at Rosslyn Park—a moment Rose Tanner describes as one of her proudest, demonstrating rugby’s potential to uplift and transform lives. Future Hope continues this mission today through its school and training center in Kolkata, helping disadvantaged youth achieve brighter futures.

Read the full article on Future Hope’s story and the Rosslyn Park Sevens here.