Johnny Fisher

Nicknamed The Romford Bull, Johnny is a professional heavyweight boxer from Romford, London. As well as boxing, he played rugby for a number of years and has said that the sport helped give him a good grounding for his boxing career.

"As a professional athlete, I understand the importance of the work School of Hard Knocks does in shaping the lives of young people and helping their development. Having played rugby throughout my childhood and to a decent level at university, I can appreciate the core skills it teaches you and I would encourage everyone to get involved. I'm delighted to be associated with School of Hard Knocks and I look forward to supporting in any way I can."

Latest

Marketing and Communications Manager

SOHK are looking for Marketing and Communications Manager. This role is key to the success of our growth fund raising strategy that will see us double our income. To achieve this we need to optimise our branding, develop new marketing channels and grow our reach. We are looking for someone as ambitious as we are, and willing to help move our charity into the next stage of our development.
Trying Together Challenge

The Trying Together Challenge is a 3 hour game of continuous touch rugby - with rolling subs of course! This event is designed to engage students, foster community spirit, and raise funds so that School of Hard Knocks’ can run its Schools Programme in more deprived areas. Read on to find out why this event is a perfect fit for your school.
Hollie Davidson

Hollie Davidson began playing competitive rugby when she was 14, playing at scrum-half for Murrayfield Wanderers. In 2015 Davidson joined the SRU's refereeing course becoming the Scottish Rugby Union’s first full time professional women's referee in 2017. Hollie made history in 2022 when she became the first female to officiate a men’s Six Nations team in a test match when Portugal took on Italy.
Johnny Fisher

"As a professional athlete, I understand the importance of the work School of Hard Knocks does in shaping the lives of young people and helping their development. Having played rugby throughout my childhood and to a decent level at university, I can appreciate the core skills it teaches you and I would encourage everyone to get involved. I'm delighted to be associated with School of Hard Knocks and I look forward to supporting them as an ambassador"

Fraser Brown

Fraser Brown is a Scotland international rugby union player who has represented his country at many levels. He has been capped 61 times by Scotland and played at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups scoring five international tries. Fraser made 141 appearances for Glasgow, the last of which was the 2023 European Challenge Cup final.
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.
Helen Nelson

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.

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.
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.
Ken Cowen - CEO
Damian James - Programmes Director, Cymru
Rosa Innes - Programmes Director, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Impact and statistics
Our History

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) was set up by Ken Cowen in 2009 and established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2012. Initially set up to help individuals find and sustain employment, SOHK has developed significantly over the years in order toadapt to society's ever-changing landscape.