It is always fascinating to discover the endeavors of our beloved sports figures following the conclusion of their playing careers. Many of us who are ardent followers of rugby may be curious about the current activities of Lawrence Dallaglio, Ben Cohen, and Steve Thompson, who played pivotal roles in the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. Let us delve into the recent pursuits of these esteemed athletes.
Lawrence Dallaglio, the former captain of the England rugby team, has undeniably established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of rugby punditry. Following the footsteps of fellow rugby legends such as Jonny Wilkinson and Matt Dawson, Dallaglio has become a familiar presence as a commentator for the Rugby World Cup on ITV since 2011. Moreover, he has demonstrated his philanthropic nature by establishing the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering young individuals through sports and providing support to teenage cancer trusts through fundraising efforts.
Ben Cohen, renowned for his illustrious rugby career with clubs like Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints, has since ventured into the realm of activism. In 2011, he founded The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness about the detrimental effects of bullying and actively working towards its prevention. Cohen is also celebrated as a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was honored with induction into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Additionally, Cohen has been a fervent supporter of increased accessibility within rugby for individuals who are hard of hearing, a cause that resonates deeply with him due to his own battle with tinnitus. On a personal note, Cohen met his partner, Kristina Rihanoff, on the television show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, and the couple now share a daughter. Furthermore, Cohen has made appearances in various reality television shows and has been involved in charitable endeavors for Sports Relief.
Steve Thompson, another luminary from England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, has embarked on a distinctive path since retiring from the sport. The former hooker made the daring decision to relocate to Dubai for a change in lifestyle. In addition to assuming ambassadorial roles for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Thompson was appointed as a sports ambassador for Transguard, a security and facilities management company. However, Thompson’s narrative took a poignant turn when he disclosed his diagnosis of early-onset dementia in December 2020. In a courageous and selfless gesture, he publicly announced his intention to donate his brain for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on September 23, 2021.
It is undeniably uplifting to witness these former rugby champions utilize their platform and influence to effect positive change in the lives of others, whether through philanthropy, activism, or raising awareness about crucial health issues. As enthusiasts, we are appreciative of their contributions to the sport and society at large, and we eagerly anticipate the continued positive impact they will make in the future.