ChildFund Celebrates a Decade of Impact Through ‘Pass It Back’ & Launches New Mascot Rally

At the 2025 Singapore SVNS at the National Stadium, the newest member of the ChildFund Rugby family was introduced as the mascot Rally was unveiled. ChildFund Rugby revealed ‘Rally’ on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and celebrated a decade of impact. They said Rally was “born from the powerful energy of unity, and is the living spark of everything rugby stands for: resilience, teamwork, and inclusion. Where there is rugby, there is Rally – cheering, motivating, and sparking connection.”

ChildFund Rugby is World Rugby’s first-ever Global Social Impact Partner and has helped educate, empower, and unite through the sport.

World Rugby said via press release that they and ChildFund Rugby were celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Pass It Back, a ground-breaking sport for development initiative that has reached more than 80,000 young people across 36 countries.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented, “Our collaboration with ChildFund Rugby is driven by a shared commitment to purpose and progress. Pass It Back connects with communities far beyond the traditional reach of the sport, demonstrating the values of rugby through real, lasting impact. It’s a smart, strategic investment in the leadership potential of young people around the world.”

A receptive crowd at the Singapore Rugby Union box at the stadium welcomed HSBC Ambassadors Dan Carter and Abby Gustaitis to greet Rally on a day which marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace which champions unity, community, and the power of sport to drive lasting change.

This was also part of the Grassroots to Global at Singapore SVNS as G2G leaders and HSBC representatives celebrated the launch of the new mascot.

Chris Mastaglio, ChildFunds Sport For Development Director said online, “A big thanks to the team at Singapore Rugby Union for hosting the first birthday of Rally at the HSBC Singapore SVNS today on International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – a day that reminds us all of the power of the intentional use of sport to create change and opportunity!

It was great to be joined by representatives from HSBC, World Rugby, Lao Rugby Federation, Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc, Kenya Rugby Union, Japan Rugby Football Union, RugbyWA, RugbyAsia247 and many others, including Singapore Grassroots to Global delegates! It’s also the start of celebrations for the 10-year anniversary of Pass It Back. Looking forward to sharing more information about that over the next weeks and months!”

Global Social Impact Partnership – Pass It Back

Pass It Back has become a global movement for equity, opportunity, and leadership, using rugby as a powerful tool to drive meaningful change in underserved communities.

Margaret Sheehan, CEO of ChildFund Australia, said: “This milestone is a testament to the power of partnership. We’re grateful to World Rugby and to every player, coach, union, and supporter who has believed in the power of sport to change lives. Together, we’re building a generation ready to lead.”

• Initially piloted in five villages in northern Laos, Pass It Back emerged from a simple but bold idea: that sport, particularly rugby, can be a catalyst for social transformation.
• Through its strategic partnership with World Rugby, ChildFund Rugby has mobilised over £10 million in support of this vision, expanding the initiative’s reach and deepening its impact globally.
• 36 countries reached across five continents
• Over 82,000 player registrations
• 3,100 coach accreditations delivered
• More than 82,000 integrated rugby and life skills sessions

As Pass It Back enters its second decade, the focus turns to scaling its impact and fostering deeper systems change. With recent expansions into Kenya and Madagascar, the vision is clear: to connect more young people to opportunities to play, learn, and lead.

World Rugby and ChildFund Rugby have launched Grassroots to Global – an initiative that celebrates women’s leadership strengthens international connections and drives investment in inclusive, community-led sport.

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