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The Ireland Sports Fund

A powerful new initiative aimed at supporting the future of Irish rugby players has officially launched. The Ireland Sports Fund, founded by former Ireland 7s captain Billy Dardis, is a dedicated scholarship programme designed to help professional rugby players prepare for life after sport.

After years in the making, the fund aims to remove financial barriers to education and career development, empowering players at all levels to build fulfilling futures beyond the pitch.

“This is something I’ve wanted to build for a long time,” said Dardis. “The rugby journey can be exciting and incredibly rewarding, but it can also be cruel and unpredictable. Whether a career lasts one year or fifteen, every player deserves the chance to prepare for what comes next — and money should never be a barrier.”

The Challenge of Transitioning from Sport

The transition from professional sport to a new chapter in life can be daunting. Identity loss, uncertainty, and financial pressure often accompany retirement from the game. Dardis, who was fortunate to be supported through education during his playing career, hopes this fund will provide others with a similar platform for long-term success.

“I want players to perform better on and off the pitch, play for longer, and then leave rugby with excitement for their next chapter — not with confusion and fear,” he said.

The Ireland Sports Fund is proudly established under the Rugby Players Ireland Foundation, working alongside other impactful initiatives like the Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) campaign and past-player support programmes. With charitable status, the fund is structured to maximise the value of donations and deliver meaningful impact for players.

A passionate board of advisors, founding donors, mentors, and organisations such as MindaClient have already helped bring the vision to life, with Rugby Players Ireland CEO Simon Keogh and Player Development Manager Deirdre Lyons instrumental in the fund’s early development.

The Ireland Sports Fund is also an opportunity for the wider rugby community to give back. Fans, former players, and supporters are invited to help grow the fund, contribute financially, or offer mentorship and career opportunities.

“I see this as a way to connect the past and present of Irish rugby — and to give fans a real way to support the people who give so much for our country,” Dardis said. “This is just the beginning, and I have big ambitions for what this Fund can achieve.”

Get Involved

If you’re interested in donating, partnering, or learning more about the Ireland Sports Fund:

📧 Email: billy.dardis@irelandsportsfund.com
🌐 Visit: www.irelandsportsfund.com
📱 Follow: @The Ireland Sports Fund on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook