He was awarded an MBE as part of the 2026 New Year Honours List after raising thousands for rugby charities.
For more than 30 years, Richard Austin has been involved in charitable causes supporting the game of rugby.
Having started playing rugby at school as an 11-year-old, Richard has gone on to fundraise for various charities including the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), The Atlas Foundation, Wooden Spoon and many more.
Now, his hard work and dedication have been recognised as he was awarded an MBE on the 2026 New Year Honours List.
“I'm extremely humbled and what a wonderful accolade for what I've done in rugby and for charity,” said Richard.
“I can't be more thankful to all of those that have helped make it come to fruition. It was not just for me, but for the whole family,
“At times I have put charity and rugby before the family because I've always wanted to do good for others.
“The work I've put in over 30 years has been from the heart and it's been passion.
“Sometimes going to bed at night, putting your head on the pillow, you're still thinking of how you can raise money, how can you make someone else's life better. That has always been my main focus.”
A host of fundraising challenges including Ruggerthon for the IPF
One of Richard’s most impressive feats came in 2013, when he organised a four-day 26-match rugby challenge called ‘Ruggerthon’.
The challenge was inspired by the 26-mile distance of a regular marathon, but instead saw Richard and various others play matches across the country, starting in Edinburgh and ending at Allianz Stadium.
In the end, the challenge raised more than £25,000 for the Injured Players Foundation, an official charity of England Rugby.
IPF Director Karen Hood said:
“We are delighted that Richard Austin has been recognised for his considerable contribution to sport and charity over the years.
“When the IPF was formed in 2008, Richard was one of its first supporters and fundraisers, publicly endorsing the charity's work within the rugby community supporting catastrophically injured rugby players at all levels of the game.
“This commitment was exemplified by the formation of the “Ruggerthon” event in 2013, taking the Essex Bishops rugby club’s charity fundraising matches to all corners of England and Scotland. Alongside raising such a significant amount of money for the charity, Richard’s initiative brought valuable awareness of the Injured Players Foundation to 26 rugby clubs across the country.
Richard has kept that commitment to the IPF ever since and together with his involvement with the Commons and Lords rugby club has continued to support the IPF through annual matches and club dinners, with £120,000 raised in total over the last 16 years.
"We are incredibly appreciative of this support, which enables the Foundation to continue supporting players with life-changing injuries for many years to come.”
A more recent challenge saw Richard climb Mount Toubkal, in Morocco, with a team of fundraisers for The Atlas Foundation, Jason Leonard’s charity.
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa, with its summit standing 4,167m above sea level.
Recognition from all over
Richard was capped by England Deaf Rugby Union and, after retiring in 2014, went on to be secretary before becoming the team’s President in 2024.
He has also been a dedicated servant of the all-party Parliamentary rugby team, helping with the type of organisation and admin that few people want to take on.
This has earnt him praise from both Lord Addington, who captains the side, as well as Labour MP and former Wales prop Tonia Antoniazzi.
“It’s the organisation, that is the difficult bit. Ask anyone, all the secretaries, treasurers, chairs of rugby clubs, that is the difficult stuff,” said Lord Addington.
“He is a natural organiser, a person who can handle committees without screaming too loudly.
“He’s done it for lots of good causes and has been very involved in rugby and helping the community game.”
“He’s the driving force behind the all-party parliamentary team, he’s fundraising, organising and he is a genuine good egg who will do anything for anybody, particularly for his love of rugby,” said Antoniazzi.
