Helen Nelson

“I am very excited to be joining SOHK as a Sports Ambassador. Being part of a rugby team has helped shape who I am, instilling in me the values of resilience, team work and hard work. Being affiliated with a charity like SOHK which promotes these values and helps others benefit through rugby is something I’m extremely proud to be part of. “

Helen Nelson is a Scottish rugby union player and the current vice-captain of the national team. She represents PWR side Loughborough Lightning at the club level. With 53 caps for Scotland, Helen led the team to victory as captain in the 2021 Women’s Six Nations match against Wales. She also captained the Scotland Rugby Union Sevens team from 2018 to 2022.

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Sustainable Futures

Are you a growing business eager to understand the essentials of Corporate Social Responsibility? Join us for our Sustainable Futures event, a dynamic TED style talk designed specifically for organisations like yours. Learn from top industry leaders and gain practical insights into starting and implementing effective CSR initiatives.
Amy Wilson-Hardy

Amy Wilson-Hardy is an accomplished English rugby union player recognised for her contributions to the sport. Making her debut for the England women's national rugby union team in 2013, Amy's talent and dedication quickly propelled her to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rugby Sevens. Currently playing for Wasps in the Women's Premiership, Amy was also a vital member of the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup squad. Her achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Commo
Richie Vernon

Richie Vernon is a former Scotland international rugby union player known for his versatility on the field. He began his rugby career with Dundee HSFP and later played for various clubs including Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, and London Scottish. Richie also represented Scotland in Rugby Sevens from 2005 to 2008 before earning his first cap for the national team in 2009. Throughout his career, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, retiring from the professional game in 2019.
Rachel McLachlan

Hailing from Edinburgh, Rachel McLachlan is a rising star in Scottish rugby. Remarkably, within nine months of picking up rugby, she was invited to join the national team. Rachel made her debut in the 7s format against Poland and Russia after only a brief stint playing rugby at Glasgow Caledonian University. In the 2021 Women's Six Nations Championship, Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm spoke highly of McLachlan, saying, 'she gives it absolutely everything'.

Amy Wilson-Hardy

Amy Wilson-Hardy is an accomplished English rugby union player recognised for her contributions to the sport. Making her debut for the England women's national rugby union team in 2013, Amy's talent and dedication quickly propelled her to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rugby Sevens. Currently playing for Wasps in the Women's Premiership, Amy was also a vital member of the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup squad. Her achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Commo
Richie Vernon

Richie Vernon is a former Scotland international rugby union player known for his versatility on the field. He began his rugby career with Dundee HSFP and later played for various clubs including Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, and London Scottish. Richie also represented Scotland in Rugby Sevens from 2005 to 2008 before earning his first cap for the national team in 2009. Throughout his career, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability, retiring from the professional game in 2019.
Rachel McLachlan

Hailing from Edinburgh, Rachel McLachlan is a rising star in Scottish rugby. Remarkably, within nine months of picking up rugby, she was invited to join the national team. Rachel made her debut in the 7s format against Poland and Russia after only a brief stint playing rugby at Glasgow Caledonian University. In the 2021 Women's Six Nations Championship, Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm spoke highly of McLachlan, saying, 'she gives it absolutely everything'.
Tori Sellors

"I'm delighted to be a part of School of Hard Knocks as an ambassador, bringing together my lifelong love for rugby and a commitment to transforming young lives. The rugby pitch has been my second home, and now, through this partnership, we have the chance to make it a home for young people facing complex challenges.”
Nick De Luca

Nick De Luca is a Scottish former professional rugby union player. Hailing from Dumfries, Nick made significant contributions during his club career, notably with Edinburgh and Border Reivers. His standout moments include memorable tries against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup and a remarkable performance in a dramatic win against Ospreys. Nick's dynamic play and versatility have left a lasting impact on Scottish rugby.
Allan Jacobsen

Allan Jacobsen, a former international player with Scotland, boasting an impressive 65 caps, is a seasoned veteran who graced the Rugby World Cups of 2003, 2007, and 2011. Throughout his illustrious career, Jacobsen remained loyal to Edinburgh, his professional home team. In November 2010, Jacobsen achieved a significant milestone, becoming the 29th Scot to reach 50 caps during Scotland's 19-16 victory against Samoa at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.
Rhona Lloyd

As a professional rugby player with Scotland Women 15s and Great Britain 7s, Rhona Lloyd has a deep commitment to using rugby as a catalyst for positive change. Before the women's game turned professional, Rhona was studying at the University of Edinburgh while working as a facilitator and rugby coach with School of Hard Knocks. This experience gave her firsthand insight into the profound impact of rugby on people's wellbeing and future prospects.

About Us

School of Hard Knocks' mission is to empower individuals to fully realise their potential. We exist to empower and support individuals facing inequality.
SOHK Schools Programme

The SOHK Schools Programme consists of 2-3 hours of a unique combination of rugby-based sessions, specialist mentoring and indoor group discussion. Combined with the stability and consistency of the relationships that our staff build with the young people, SOHK enables participants to make positive changes to their behaviours, attitudes and mindset and gives them the ability to recognise their personal growth. We focus change on The 5Cs: Confidence, Control, Commitment, Communication & Cohesion
Adult Courses

School of Hard Knocks began with delivery to unemployed adults, and it remains the core of our work today. We are passionate about achieving our mission of empowering people to fully realise their potential and we deliver life-changing eight-week programmes to adults in challenging circumstances.
Ken Cowen - CEO
Become a regular giver

Become a Friend of SOHK and help change lives for the better. We empower vulnerable adults and children so they can create a positive future, but we need your support. Please donate just £3 per month and help us change the game.
Damian James - Programmes Director, Cymru
Rosa Innes - Programmes Director, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Impact and statistics
Nathan Persaud - Programmes Director, England