Category: News

12/05/2026

Community, resilience and openness – two Societe Generale Valley RFC players share what mental health means to them in rugby and beyond.

As one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious sports clubs, Societe Generale Valley RFC brings together athletes across rugby, netball and hockey, from youth development through to senior competition.

The club continues to support conversations around wellbeing both on and off the field.

James Sawyer – Societe Generale Valley RFC & Hong Kong China Men’s National Team Player

For James, a member of the Hong Kong China national team, rugby has helped shape both his life and perspective.

“The sport has given me a huge number of opportunities in my life, and I wouldn’t be here in Hong Kong today without it.”

Growing up in rugby culture in his hometown, Wales, also taught him how attitudes around mental health have changed.

“Back then the culture was different, you had to be tough and not show any weakness, or you wouldn’t crack it.

“There were lots of really good players I went through the age grades with who fell out of love with the game because there wasn’t a proper support network.”

For James, one of rugby’s greatest strengths is its community.

“In rugby, you’re constantly surrounded by people who, despite having vastly different upbringings, are connected through the game and contributing to the success of a team.

“When you’ve got people you feel comfortable to speak to, whether it’s having a moan or telling them you’re struggling, you’re in a much better place than trying to go at it alone.”

His message to younger players is simple.

“You’re not alone and there will always be one of your teammates or coaches you can lean on for support.

“I think rugby has come a long way in terms of breaking the stigma, and I think there is a real drive globally to bring mental health conversations to all levels of the sport.”

Tanya Dhar – Societe Generale Valley RFC & Hong Kong China Women’s National Team Player

A member of the league-winning and record-breaking women’s Premiership team and current Hong Kong China national team, Tanya understands the importance of support and strong team culture on and off the field.

“The nature of rugby pushes you to rely on each other. Being Indian myself and growing up in Hong Kong, I’ve been exposed to lots of different cultures and backgrounds.

“The sense of community is extra special, as it allows people a space to be open and honest on and off the field.”

Away from rugby, she prioritises routines that help maintain balance and perspective.

“I try to find small pockets of peace every day that help me to stay upbeat, positive and ready to perform.”

Support from family and friendships within sport has also been central to Tanya’s wellbeing.

“My family has been a huge source of support throughout all the highs and lows of sport and life.

“Having a circle that understands me has helped me grow both as a person and as a player.”

As both a player and coach, mental health support for younger athletes remains especially important to her.

“I’ve seen how much pressure can build up, and how easily someone can start feeling alone even when they’re surrounded by people.

“I think there’s always a friend, a coach, or a teammate you can speak to.”

Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of creating environments where athletes feel supported, connected and able to speak openly.

Kukri is proud to support Societe Generale Valley RFC as they continue to foster that sense of community across every level of the club.

01/04/202626/03/2026

For national governing bodies, choosing the right performance sportswear partner is about much more than producing kit.

Organisations need a supplier capable of delivering reliably for athletes competing on the international stage, while also understanding the identity and values of the team they represent.

At Kukri Sports, supporting national teams & organisations means delivering exactly that – combining global capability with local expertise to help teams perform at their best.

A Global Network Supporting National Sport

Kukri operates across multiple regions, with offices in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Dubai, Brisbane, Hamilton, Belfast and the United Kingdom, alongside a network of regional representatives across key sporting markets.

Sales managers operate in regions including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Chile, Barcelona and Amsterdam, providing local expertise while connecting organisations to Kukri’s wider international network.

This global footprint enables Kukri to support national governing bodies across different continents and time zones, ensuring consistent service and reliable delivery wherever teams are preparing to compete.

How Kukri Supports National Governing Bodies

National governing bodies operate complex programmes involving elite athletes, pathway systems, staff and volunteers. Kukri’s service model is designed specifically to support these programmes.

How can we support you?

– Reliable global supply chains capable of delivering for major international competitions and multi-sport events

– Dedicated account management, providing consistent support and communication throughout the partnership

– Custom apparel design, reflecting the identity, heritage and values of national teams

– Operational scale, allowing governing bodies to outfit large athlete and staff programmes

– Consistent service across time zones, supporting organisations operating internationally

A standout example is our kit design for Team England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games:

Mark Osikoya, CEO at Commonwealth Games England, said “We know how much it means for athletes to wear their team England kit and, as a valued partner, Kukri share our commitment to inclusion, diversity and sustainability.”

Trusted by National Teams Around the World

Kukri’s approach has seen the brand develop partnerships with national sporting organisations across multiple regions.

In the United Kingdom, Kukri partners with organisations including Team England, British Gymnastics, England Athletics, Northern Ireland Volleyball and Netball Northern Ireland.

Across Canada and the Caribbean, Kukri partners with organisations including Commonwealth Games Canada, Bowls Canada and Barbados Olympic Association.

Elsewhere, Kukri works with partners including the Hong Kong Squash Association in Asia and serves as the official off-bike apparel partner for AusCycling in Australia.

These partnerships reflect Kukri’s growing presence within national sport and its experience supporting teams competing on the global stage.

Global Strength, Local Relevance

While Kukri operates internationally, its partnerships are built on local understanding.

By working closely with organisations within their markets and providing dedicated regional support, Kukri ensures governing bodies benefit from the reliability of a global supplier while maintaining the responsiveness and cultural understanding of a local partner.

This combination of global strength and local relevance allows Kukri to support national teams as they prepare athletes for success on the world stage.

Partner with Kukri

With more than two decades of experience, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering premium teamwear for some of the world’s best athletes.

Are you looking for a partner with global experience and local expertise? Discover how we can support your programme and athletes today.

24/01/202623/01/2026

As International Day of Education is recognised globally, Kukri Sports continues to play a key role in supporting schools and universities through sport.

For over 25 years, Kukri has built a broad footprint across the education sector, partnering with schools and universities in Asia and internationally.

Supplying sportswear across 100+ sports, Kukri supports education providers at every level – from grassroots participation programmes to elite performance environments – helping them deliver consistent, inclusive sporting experiences every academic year.

Supporting schools through sport

Schools require sportswear that is reliable, cost-effective and built to last.

Kukri provides schools with reliable, high-quality sportswear that supports participation and performance.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your school’s identity

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items

– Durable, long-lasting kit: Designed to withstand repeated use and maintain consistency through the use of sustainable fabric options

– Dedicated support: Account managers provide guidance, clear communication and help manage growing participation

Debbie Skene, Director of Sport at Rugby School, said “Rugby School has created a functional and inclusive range of sports kit with the help and support of Kukri.

“Students and staff all look and feel part of our sports teams. We take great pride in our ‘nobody on the bench’ approach, and this kit embodies our ‘whole person, whole point’ ethos.

“We are delighted to be associated with Kukri.”

Supporting universities through sport

Kukri works with universities to deliver performance-led sportswear that meets the demands of elite competition, while supporting participation across campus.

Our offering includes:

– Multi-sport expertise: Supporting 100+ sports with fully bespoke designs for every team and athlete

– Custom and bespoke options: Full flexibility to create kit that reflects your university’s identity and team requirements

– Reliable supply: Proven 98% on-time delivery, with lead times as short as 48 hours for stocked items and 3 weeks for bespoke orders

– Managed supply solutions: Streamlined ecommerce and distribution reduce administrative workload

– Dedicated account management: Guidance and support across all aspects of kit provision and campus-wide programmes

– Support beyond kit: Scholarships, hardship funding, and internship opportunities to help students develop on and off the pitch

At Loughborough University alone, Kukri delivered over 23,500 units in 2025 across 50+ sports. This demonstrates our ability to manage large-scale supply while delivering kit that meets performance and identity requirements.

Phillip Cook, Head of Performance Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University, said “Kukri’s commitment through the scholarship has made a real difference to our performance sport programme.

“It has created opportunities for more than 65 talented student-athletes to develop both on and off the field.”

A trusted partner for education

Through long-term partnerships and a clear understanding of the education sector, Kukri continues to support schools and universities in delivering high-quality sporting experiences.

Schools and universities looking for a reliable, long-term education sportswear partner can find out more by visiting the link below.

18/12/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, Kukri Sports is reflecting on a year of real progress, strengthened partnerships and continued commitment to supporting athletes worldwide.

Sustained Growth Across Global Partnerships:

Throughout the year, Kukri welcomed over 25 new partnerships and renewed over 15 long-standing partnerships worldwide. These developments reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative, performance-driven sportswear to teams from grassroots to elite.

A key milestone in 2025 was the formation of a strategic partnership with Sportz88, helping to support Kukri’s long-term ambitions to enhance its presence and capabilities across Europe.

New partnerships spanned multiple regions, including Australia Cycling, British Rowing, Volleyball England, Dubai Hurricanes and Hong Kong Squash.

Key partnership renewals also included Team England, Commonwealth Games Canada, England Athletics and British Wheelchair Basketball, all of which highlight the brand’s reputation as a trusted sportswear supplier for hundreds of different sports.

The ambassador programme also expanded, welcoming two inspirational athletes – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft, and Britain’s first-ever tumbling World Games champion Megan Kealy.

Celebrating Partner Achievements:

Across 2025, many Kukri partners recorded notable achievements and milestones, including:

– Somerset CCC: Vitality Blast champions and inaugural season for the women’s team.

– British Rowing: World Rowing Cup winners and successful defence of European Championship title.

– Loughborough University: Won their 44^th consecutive BUCS title.

– British Wheelchair Basketball: Silver medals for both squads at the IWBF European Championships.

– Loughborough Lightning: NXT Gen team secured their first-ever NSL title, with the senior team reaching their fifth consecutive grand final.

– Dubai College: U19 Girls rugby team were crowned Gulf Dubai 7s champions.

– Dubai Hurricanes: Men’s team were crowned Gulf Men’s League Champions at the Dubai 7s.

– UBC Women’s Rugby: Crowned back-to-back U Sports Women’s Rugby national champions.

– Waikato Rugby: FPC squad claimed back-to-back Premiership titles.

– Australia Cycling: Squads triumphed at this year’s UCI Track World Championships, with the men’s team winning silver and the women’s team winning a team sprint bronze medal for the second consecutive year.

These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes and support teams Kukri works alongside and the collaborative approach taken to performance apparel.

Commitment to Inclusivity, Community & Athlete Development:

Kukri continued its commitment to EDI and community impact through several initiatives, including:

– Supporting Belfast City Marathon with official participant and training kit

– Designing adaptable kit for Oshawa Vikings’ mixed ability squads competing in Spain

– Creating bespoke kit for the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children

– Ongoing support for Dubai 7s supplying bespoke sportswear for over 25 partner teams

– Strengthening off-field support for schools and universities through hardship funds, internships and ambassador opportunities

Looking Ahead to 2026:

Heading into 2026, Kukri is preparing for another positive year, including supporting partners competing at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Continued investment in product development, service enhancement and global operations will remain central to the brand’s focus.

Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “2025 has been a year of steady progress across the business. From welcoming new partners to supporting long-standing relationships, we’re proud of the work our teams have delivered.

“As we look to 2026, our commitment remains the same: to support athletes and organisations with reliable, high-quality sportswear and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”

Chris Marshall, Group COO added, “This year has highlighted the value of strong relationships and operational consistency. Our teams globally have continued to refine processes and enhance service levels to ensure our partners receive the support they expect. We look forward to developing this further in 2026.”

For teams, organisations and institutions seeking a high-performance, athlete-focused sportswear partner, find out more and get in touch with us today.

05/11/202504/11/2025

In celebration of the determination, resilience and passion that define para-sport, Kukri Sports has brought together the voices of inspiring para-athletes to share their top tips for those starting out in their sporting journey.

 Offering insight, encouragement and advice drawn from their own experiences, these tips highlight the power of perseverance and the importance of community within sport.

Through its ongoing ‘Beyond Limits Together’ campaign, Kukri has shown its continued support and commitment to para-athletes – showcasing inspiring individuals from grassroots to international level who continue to break barriers and motivate the next generation.

Hannah Cockroft CBE – 9x Paralympic Champion

A true icon of para-sport, Kukri ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE has become one of Britain’s most decorated athletes.

Recently adding two more world titles in the T34 100m and 400m, setting a new championship record and securing her 18^th world title at the World Para Athletic Championships, she continues to inspire through her success and passion for helping others discover their potential.

“Try everything, you never know where you’ll find your passion. I tried so many sports before discovering wheelchair racing, and it completely changed my life.

“Don’t expect success straight away. Every performance requires hours and hours of practice. Trust the process and do the work because the end result is worth it.

“Ask questions, lean on others and don’t be afraid to give it everything. Don’t be afraid of putting 100% in, I hear so many athletes say they wish they’d tried harder,” she said.

“If you don’t go for it, you’ll never know and that gold medal could be in that last 1%! So don’t fear hard work, it’s so satisfying to sit back and be able to say that you gave it your absolute best.”

Amy Thompson – F41 Para Shot-Put Athlete

A rising star in British para-athletics, Kukri ambassador Amy Thompson’s journey is one of dedication and perseverance.

Having made her international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships, she continues to push boundaries and inspire others.

“Don’t be afraid to compete alongside able-bodied athletes. It can be easy to compare yourself, but focus on your own progress and achievements within your category as that’s what matters most,” she explained.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding competitions or the right equipment can be tough, so reach out to coaches or fellow athletes for advice. There’s always support if you’re willing to ask.”

Elana Brand – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete, Loughborough University

Elana Brand, who helped Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball team finish runners-up in the Women’s Premier League last season, shares her perspective on trying new things and finding your passion.

“The best piece of advice I would give to someone is just to give everything a go because eventually you will find something you love and then stick with it,” she said.

Terry Bywater – British Wheelchair Basketball Senior Men’s #7

Terry Bywater, a senior member of the British Wheelchair Basketball team and 2024 Paralympic Games silver medallist, offers practical tips for athletes looking to improve their game and enjoy sport.

“Always set realistic goals – be patient and focus on quality over quantity. For me, celebrating your successes, no matter how big, is really important.

“It helps you stay motivated and love the sport you are playing.”

Driving Change Through Para-Sport

Through partnerships with organisations including Team England, British Rowing, British Fencing, England Athletics as well as universities worldwide, Kukri continues to support para-athletes on and off the field.

By providing adaptable, inclusive and high-performance apparel, Kukri enables athletes to excel while helping drive progress towards a more equal sporting landscape.

Kukri remains committed to driving change and creating equal opportunities across sport at all levels.

Beyond Limits. Together.

29/09/202529/09/2025

At Kukri Sports, our mission goes beyond high-quality apparel — we are committed to elevating athletes and giving them the platform to excel.

Whether at grassroots level or competing for international honours, we are proud to support athletes and be a long-standing partner of the para-sport community.

As we launch our new campaign to celebrate these remarkable achievements, we want to shine a light on the journeys and voices that inspire us both on and off the field.

Our commitment is rooted in long-term partnerships with organizations like Team England, British Fencing, British Wheelchair Basketball, and England Athletics, as well as leading educational institutions such as Loughborough University.

Together, we provide technical excellence in apparel while amplifying athletes’ voices, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation

Stories That Inspire:

Amy Thompson – Building confidence and visibility

Our ambassador, Amy Thompson, is a rising star in shot put, recently captaining England at the Home Countries U20 International and earning her first call-up to this year’s World Para Championships on 26 September.

“With the help from Kukri, they have really propelled my career, helping me with not only my kit but my social media presence.

“Without their support, I don’t think I would have as many opportunities as I do currently and that comes down to their support away from sport and really building my confidence.”

Hannah Cockroft CBE – Redefining limits

Nine-time Paralympic champion and ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE has built her career on pushing boundaries.

For Hannah, wheelchair racing is not just a sport, but a gateway to independence and achievement.

“I’m really proud to be a para-athlete. Wheelchair racing is my freedom. The opportunities that being a wheelchair racer gave me ultimately changed my life.”

Hannah also uses her platform to shift perceptions on para-sport, challenging the idea that wheelchair racing is easy or secondary.

“When you have a disability, you are told more often what you can’t do rather than what you can do.

“I like to use my sport to show people what is possible, and hopefully inspire people to challenge themselves and find out what they can achieve.”

British Fencing – Inclusivity in action

Through partners like British Fencing, Kukri supports athletes who prove that inclusivity is the foundation of sporting progress.

For para fencer and coach Aimee Aronica, fencing restored her connection to the sport she had loved for two decades.

“When I acquired my disability, I felt like I lost my sport. Having wheelchair fencing open to me gave me a way to engage with the sport I have spent 20 years competing in.

“If we as a community can make disability less scary and open up para-sport as a place for everybody, I am hoping our sport can grow and be a place where everybody can achieve their dreams.”

For teammates James Peebles and Wiktoria Mucha, para-fencing is both a test of resilience and a transformative journey.

“Being a para-athlete is about proving that a disability doesn’t define what I can or can’t do,” said James.

“It’s about picking myself up when things don’t go to plan, dusting myself off and trying again, as many times as it takes.”

“Wheelchair fencing has changed my life in more ways that I can ever begin to describe,” said Wiktoria.

“Inclusivity in sport is incredibly important to me as it allows me to feel included and a part of something.

“With the support of those around me, I can do anything and forget about the things I struggle with.”

Looking Ahead

At Kukri, we are committed to supporting para-athletes across a range of sports, ensuring their journeys are seen, heard and celebrated.

In the weeks ahead, we will share content offering a closer look at our athletes’ journeys, highlighting the resilience, determination and talent that makes para-sport so special.

Because for us, it’s about more than sport — it’s about breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation.

Beyond Limits. Together.

22/09/202519/09/2025

Kukri Sports is proud to announce a new partnership with the Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, becoming their official kit supplier.

The partnership will see Kukri provide high-performance, custom-designed apparel for Squash Association of Hong Kong, China’s elite squash players, as well as for their development pathways and grassroots initiatives.

As one of Asia’s most successful squash associations, Squash Association of Hong Kong, China boasts a proud history of international success, world-class athletes, and a thriving squash community. Kukri’s expertise in delivering high-quality, bespoke sportswear will ensure all HKSA players are equipped to perform at the highest level, while proudly representing Squash Association of Hong Kong, China on the world stage.

“We are delighted to partner with Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, an organisation with a rich tradition of excellence and a clear vision for the future of the sport,” said Clare Millington, General Manager at Kukri Sports Asia. “At Kukri, we are passionate about supporting athletes at every level, and we look forward to working closely with SAHKC to deliver innovative kit solutions that meet the SAHKC of the modern game.”

The new range of SAHKC kit, designed in collaboration with players and coaches, will feature cutting-edge fabrics and designs tailored specifically for squash. The kit will be worn by Squash Association of Hong Kong, China’s national teams at international competitions and will also be available for SAHKC members and supporters.

Emily Mak – Executive Director of Squash Association of Hong Kong, China commented; “On behalf of the Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, we are thrilled to welcome our partnership with Kukri Sports as the official kit supplier for the Hong Kong, China Squash Team. Together, we are committed to equipping our athletes with the finest uniforms and playing kits as we embark on this exciting journey towards the LA2028 Olympics. This partnership not only strengthens our team spirit but also showcases our dedication to excellence in the sport of squash.”

The partnership further strengthens Kukri’s presence in Asia and demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting squash at all levels globally.

To learn more about Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, visit: www.hksquash.org.hk

30/05/202528/05/2025

Kukri Sports is thrilled to welcome one of Britain’s most decorated para-athletes, Hannah Cockroft, as its newest brand ambassador, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, performance and empowering athletes at every level.

A Shared Vision of Inclusion and Excellence

A nine-time Paralympic champion, multiple world-record holder and trailblazer in para-sport, Hannah has been a dominant force in wheelchair racing since making her debut for Great Britain at the age of 18.

Her career has long been connected to the national athletics system in the UK, including events supported by England Athletics and British Athletics. Through domestic competitions, talent pathways and advocacy for para-athletes, Hannah has been a visible and vocal figure across the athletics landscape.

As the official kit provider for England Athletics, Kukri has championed athletes like Hannah from grassroots through to elite level. This includes proud support for the Youth Talent Programme, which plays a vital role in developing young athletes, both able-bodied and para, as part of the England Athletics talent pathway.

This shared, inclusive approach reflects Kukri’s belief in championing potential across all disciplines, ensuring the next generation of stars has access to opportunity, resources and representation to help fulfil their potential.

“The First Kit Provider to Join My Team in 17 Years”

“Having the opportunity to be an ambassador for Kukri Sports is incredible – they’re the first kit provider to join my team in 17 years,” Hannah said.

“It means so much to me that they’re supporting a para-athlete, a group who are so often overlooked.

“I find it amazing that Kukri supports athletes at all levels, because the grassroots element is so often ignored, so to be able to work with a brand who have the same values as me makes me feel proud.

“I’m excited to work on developing the perfect kit for me, to gain new experiences, and to be part of something bigger than just sport.”

The announcement follows Kukri’s partnership extension with Team England, where they will continue as the official kit supplier through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

A Legacy of Dominance on the Global Stage

Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hannah’ for her explosive power on the track, Hannah has delivered landmark moments throughout her illustrious career. She made her paralympic debut at the London 2012 Olympic Games, capturing gold in the T34 100m and 200m events, while setting two new paralympic records in the process.

Her dominance continued with triple gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and double gold in the 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing her paralympic gold medal tally to nine. She is also the most decorated British athlete in World Championship history, with 16 titles to her name.

Currently, she holds the T34 world records for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m—an unprecedented feat. In 2022, Hannah was appointed OBE in the King’s New Year Honours followed by CBE in last year’s New Year Honours list, recognising not only her sporting excellence but her tireless advocacy for inclusion and representation in sport.

She was also named British Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Journalists’ Association in 2017, the first para-athlete to ever receive the award in its 57-year history.

Cockroft has been a proud member of Team England, famously leading a 1-2-3 finish in the T34 100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Kukri’s ongoing partnership with Team England ensures elite athletes like Hannah are equipped to perform at their best on the global stage.

On Track For 2025

Hannah’s 2025 season is already off to a promising start. She recently kicked things off with a 10-day training camp in Switzerland, where she also opened her competitive season.

“I’m currently in Switzerland, where I’ve been on a 10-day training camp before my season opener last weekend,” she shared. “Although there were no records broken, I set World Lead times in the 1000m, 400m and 800m events, so it’s a good place to start.”

With two more meets to go before returning to the UK next week, Hannah has had a busy few days and is laying strong foundations for what promises to be another standout year.

New Goals, Same Drive

Looking ahead, Cockroft is focused on defending her world titles at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi this September and is already laying the groundwork for a historic fifth Paralympic Games appearance at Los Angeles 2028.

“I still have things I want to achieve”, she said.

“I’d love to hold the Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles all at once, and I really believe I can be the first T34 woman to break 16 seconds in the 100m event. “

Empowering the Next Generation

Hannah’s passion for her sports extends well beyond competition. A champion for inclusion and accessibility, she regularly runs ‘come and try’ days for aspiring athletes, holds coaching qualifications, and uses her platform to advocate for better visibility and resources for para-sport.

“When I was growing up, it was so hard to even find out how to get involved in para-sport,” she explained.

“That’s why I try to give back, to make it easier for the next generation to discover what’s possible.

“Of course, we’re still lagging behind in many areas, from sponsorship and funding to spectator sport outside of Paralympic years, but I think opportunity has grown and that’s the most important place to start, as more champions coming through will hopefully then bring the rest with it.”

From the training track to the world’s biggest stage, having the right kit is crucial, and Hannah knows how vital those details are.

“In wheelchair racing, we put so much effort into aerodynamics and speed, so I like my kit to be close fitting, comfortable and doesn’t distract me at the start of a race.”

Standing Together for a More Inclusive Future

As Kukri continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive sport, the partnership with Hannah marks another significant step forward in championing para-athletes.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Hannah to the Kukri family,” said Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.

“She’s not only one of Britain’s most successful athletes, but also a passionate advocate for inclusion and the growth of para-sport. Her values align perfectly with ours, and we’re excited to support her journey and work with her to achieve her mission.”

With shared values of performance, representation and opportunity at every level of sport, the partnership between Kukri Sports and Hannah Cockroft is set to empower the next generation of athletes, on and off the track.

As preparations begin for this year’s World Para Athletics Championships and beyond, Kukri is proud to stand alongside Hannah in her pursuit of even more excellence and in shaping a more inclusive future for sport.

Find out more about Team England

18/05/202517/05/2025

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri Sports is proud to share powerful reflections from its partner athletes on the importance of mental well-being in sport.

From Olympians to grassroots leaders, these athletes open up about recovery, resilience and the reality of life beyond the pitch.

Piper Logan – UBC Women’s Rugby captain (Vancouver, North America)

Paris Olympic silver medallist Piper Logan, captain of Canada’s Women’s 7s team, is currently navigating the challenges of a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Vancouver 7s.

“I felt like I was constantly falling behind while others kept improving. But over time, I learned to celebrate the little wins and remind myself that growth isn’t always visible.

“I found comfort in focusing on the things I could control like nutrition, habits and reconnecting with the life outside of sport. That helped me feel like myself again.”

Cork Constitution RFC, Men’s First Team (Ireland)

One anonymous first-team player reflects on the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with playing at a high level.

“Mental health and rugby go hand in hand. Playing helps my well-being through the physical benefits and the social aspect.

“I try to deal with stress by being organised during the week, accepting that not every match goes your way and always having time to relax with the lads.”

Somerset CCC – Jack Leach, Charlie Dean & Alfie Ogborne

Mental health is a growing focus in cricket, a sport known for its long seasons, psychological demands and intense competition.

England internationals Jack Leach and Charlie Dean, as well as Alfie Ogborne reflect on how mindset, team culture and togetherness plays crucial roles in performance and personal well-being.

Alfie said, “You will always see players who are less talented than others do better, and that’s because of their mental approach and preparation.”

Charlie said, “There is always going to be performance pressure, but these days it’s great to see that we are more open about it as that’s how it should be.”

Jack said, “As teammates, we’re always looking out for each other. We have to remember that people go through different things and be there to support them.”

British Rowing – Matt Aldridge & Josh O’Brien

Olympic bronze medallist Matt Aldridge and Paralympic champion Josh O’Brien open up about how team support have shaped their mental resilience.

“The attitude towards mental health has changed quite drastically over the past few years. People are starting to talk about it more openly now, which is really good”, Matt said.

“Any high-pressure environment like rowing, you’re going to have bad days, and if you can share that with different people to pick you up, then that is brilliant.”

Josh added, “Before the Paralympics in Paris, I had a bad back injury. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without my teammates and coaches supporting me through it.”

Sion Bennett – Valley RFC (Asia)

Former Wales U20 and Sevens player Sion Bennett now captains Valley RFC in Hong Kong and leads conversations around mental health.

“Having gone through struggles in sport and life, I’ve seen the impact of community, resilience and simply moving your body,” he says.

After relocating from Wales, Sion leaned on sport to navigate change:

“Being part of a club like Valley helped me build a new support network. Moving overseas taught me more about who I am and helped build self-belief.”

“I strongly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share. You can’t force people to talk about their feelings, but you can make effort with them to talk about their life, their work, have a joke, even if that is a simple hand shake before training, and so when the moment arises that they need someone to talk to they feel like they have built bonds and there’s an environment that they feel like they can share.

As a brand committed to supporting athletes at every level of the game, Kukri stands with these athletes in challenging the stigma and calling for environments where honesty is strength and well-being is a priority.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.