ChildFund Rugby
Pass It Back
This is where it all began.
Johnny, our founder, began volunteering with ChildFund Pass It Back in August 2016 and subsequently started working there full time through to the end of 2023.
In addition, Hiền and Chinh began working as community coaches and life skills facilitators on the Pass It Back program.
This program no longer operates in Vietnam, however Gieo Mầm is the legacy which Đại Việt Rugby is continuing to push in rural areas of Vietnam.
Throughout his time working there and with the team in Vietnam, Johnny has been a part of MANY firsts related to rugby in Vietnam, including:
The first ever fully Vietnamese rugby team formed; Kim Boi Wildcats (still operational today)
The first ever fully registered rugby clubs in Vietnam (there were 7 clubs across Kim Bôi & Tân Lạc Districts, which now have amalgamated with Kim Boi Wildcats, Tân Lạc Tigers and often combine to play as Hoà Bình Rugby)
The first ever women’s XVs match hosted on Vietnamese soil - between the Hoà Bình Rugby girls and a Lao Rugby Federation development squad)
The first ever Hanoi 10s way back in 2019 - the longest running, biggest rugby event in the country to this day
The first ever 7s domestic league, Ao Làng 7s Series, began in 2024 in the north and has expanded to north and south regions now
We are not formally affiliated or in partnership with ChildFund, however we continue to work informally together to support grassroots rugby, women in sport and to enable young people to be equipped with essential life skills.
Women’s Rugby World Cup
England, 2025
“Rugby World Cup 2025 showed what’s possible when sport is intentionally used to create lasting impact.”
“Together, the global rugby community helped raise £230,000+ for ChildFund Rugby's partnerships to empower children and young people worldwide - building skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.
This International Day of Sport for Development & Peace (April 6), we’re proud to be building a legacy beyond the game - and driving momentum towards Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond.”
Here you can see Johnny in his role as a Rugby and Life skills Trainer at a coach training in Timor Leste back in 2019. This was just one of the programs around ASEAN and the Pacific which he supported during his 7.5 years with the team!
Access the article below:
Link - Facebook (1 min)
Online Campaign, April 2026
Women’s Rugby World Cup
Belfast, 2018
“The Wallaroos ‘pass it back’ in Belfast.”
“Fresh off a victory over Ireland, the Wallaroos used their time in Belfast to get involved with the 'Pass it Back' development program, which uses rugby as a vehicle to help change the lives of young women in south-east Asia.”
Johnny’s role on this trip was a support role, helping the management team and team leaders from each country to make sure everything was safe, fun and smooth.
Access the article below:
Link - YouTube (3 mins)
Belfast, August 2018
Women’s Rugby World Cup
Belfast, 2018
“Rise of the SEA Dragons , ChildFund Pass It Back”
“A group of 3 coaches and 15 players from ChildFund Pass It Back in Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines had a life-changing opportunity to travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland from 17-23 August during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017.
The team, touring as the South East Asian (SEA) Dragons, spent 7 days taking part in international rugby events, cultural exchange experiences and life skills activities, with the trip culminating in the ChildFund Pass It Back Cup.”
Johnny’s role on this trip was a support role, helping the management team and team leaders from each country to make sure everything was safe, fun and smooth.
Access the article below:
Link - YouTube (10 mins)
Belfast, August 2018