I think it is important to involve women and girls in leadership roles, because they can be great leaders and will inspire other women and girls in Laos.

Boudsadee, Lao Rugby Federation, Laos

I did things that I previously thought impossible. To all the girls and women out there, please keep being involved in whatever makes you happy and makes your community a better place.

Lan, Hoa Binh Rugby Network, Vietnam

Since becoming a player, I learnt that boys and girls are equal. I hope the program can spread everywhere, even across the globe, so children in other places of the world can enjoy learning and playing like us here.

Trang, Pass It Back player, Vietnam

The way ChildFund Rugby helps the community first within the Rugby space is incredible and sets up and builds capabilities for  all communities, especially for female rugby players. The opportunity to play a sport that is inclusive and that a child can feel a sense of wellbeing and achievement is extremely powerful.

Mere Baker, former Black Fern

Rugby has been such an important part of my life so it’s incredible to see that children living in significant poverty are being given the same opportunity to play. The Pass It Back program uses sport to drive social change, and to equip young people for the challenges they may face in the future. This is the true spirit of rugby.

Honey Hireme-Smiler, former Black Fern

ChildFund Rugby is incredibly important for young people in developing communities because it brings together education and team sport. Learning through play is a really valuable way to build confidence and resilience.

Emily Chancellor, Wallaroo

The most impressive thing about Pass It Back for me is the enjoyment that I’ve seen in the kids taking part. It’s obviously adding so much to their communities and so much to their self-worth.

Stephen Larkham, World Rugby Hall of Famer

In Vietnam, children in rural areas don’t have many chances to play like children in the big cities. I bring something fun for them to do and that makes me happy. Coaches also share their real-life experiences to facilitate life-skills discussions.

Huyen, Hoa Binh Rugby Network, Vietnam

I want to help involve as many Lao girls and women from rural and remote communities as possible in rugby so they too can feel brave and strong.

Lao Khang, Lao Rugby Federation, Laos

It is a privilege to travel to these communities and support the development of new talent. I am particularly impressed that in Laos and Vietnam, where rugby is a relatively new sport, so many girls and young women are jumping in and giving it a go.

Nicole Beck, Aussie Sevens star and Olympic gold-medallist

During Pass It Back life skills sessions, the players can share their thoughts or feelings with their teammates, and talk to their coaches in confidence. The players always get the support they need.

Truong, Hoa Binh Rugby Network, Vietnam

Ciaran Fitzgerald, former British and Irish Lions Captain

I support ChildFund Rugby as it is a fantastic initiative to help support and grow children across the globe, not only in rugby, but in transferring the positive values learnt through the game across into everyday life.  The drive to use rugby as a tool to develop these children into confident and aspiring leaders is fantastic.

Aimee Sutorius, former Black Fern