Rugby Speakers

Martin Bayfield

Martin has progressed from copper to Crimewatch presenter. In between he enjoyed a successful career as a rugby forward, earning 31 international caps. With natural comic timing, the 6’10” colossus compares his own sport to football, and reveals how he became a part of the Harry Potter phenomenon.

Matt Dawson

Possibly the best scrum half in the world, Matt’s performance in the World Cup-winning England rugby team, and especially his pass that led to the winning kick, earned enormous respect within the sport. A former England captain, Matt is a proven leader and a natural team player and he combines his playing experience with his more recent business lessons to consider the nature of teams, leadership and performance culture. He’s also an accomplished presenter of conferences and awards.

James Kerr

Business consultant and author James studied the New Zealand rugby team first hand, in training, the dressing room, before, during and after matches. The conclusions he draws about what has made them such a dominant force despite drawing talent from one of the smallest populations on Earth has important parallels in business. Whether it’s the value of character, understanding an organisation’s story, or avoiding complacency, James explains how a group can achieve and maintain real success.

Nigel Owens

The World Cup Final referee is widely considered to be the best official in rugby union. He implements rules fairly but allows the game to flow; he imposes his authority – but he isn’t afraid to show a sense of humour on the pitch. He’s also the only openly gay official in what’s seen as an especially macho sport. In speeches Nigel talks about the hurdles he had to overcome, and the skills you require to make tough decisions with tough characters.

Jonny Wilkinson

The man who won England the World Cup, Jonny became one of the most famous rugby players ever when his drop goal decided the final in the dying seconds of the game. He went on to become one of the most decorated players in the game, becoming the highest international points scorer and a role model of professionalism and sportsmanship. The public success was only part of the story, however, and Jonny speaks frankly and inspiringly about the pressure of expectation, the mental health implications of leading a life defined by others, and how his lessons can offer practical advice to anyone ...

Maggie Alphonsi

As England rugby vice-captain Maggie won a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations titles, and got to the final of the World Cup twice, winning once. In speeches she covers leadership and performing under pressure.

Kyran Bracken

Though plagued with injury, Kyran earned 170 Saracens caps and 50 for England – including a big contribution to the famous World Cup win. He explains how the team had several leaders, each responsible for their discipline but following a single game plan. As in business, they fought hard to deliver results and to leave the opposition in their wake. After dinner, the Dancing on Ice champion tells how his team became the best in the world - and describes the journey from turnovers to toe loops.

Thomas Castaignède

The smiling former French international and occasional Guardian columnist won three league titles and one European Cup. After dinner he muses on the game’s greats and what he’s learned about positive thinking and pressure management. He might also mention the post match meals, with “meat cooked the English way like the sole of a boot.”

Jonathan Davies

One of the greatest players of his generation, few sportsmen have been as versatile in both rugby codes as Jonathan Davies. He caused a major sensation when he left Wales and Rugby Union for the professional league - but he quickly silenced the detractors. Known for his fitness and physical commitment, it came as no surprise that he was still good enough to make the first team when he returned to Wales ten years after his debut.

Sean Fitzpatrick

The former All Blacks captain led his team to success over the British Lions and a clean sweep in the inaugural Tri-Nations tournament. His proudest moment came when he led his team to victory in the first ever Rugby World Cup. Sean talks about benchmarking against the world’s best and encourages an attitude of continuous learning.

Will Greenwood

Starting out as a city trader, Will became one of England’s most successful rugby players. In his presentation he shows how the World Cup-winning team went from seventh to top place driven by self-belief and clear leadership. Will describes how under-performing players were encouraged, not blamed; how everyone needs to be heard; and how at club level, relegation made him more determined than ever.

James Haskell

One of England’s best back-row players, James has played top level club and international rugby all over the world. As well as being a Six Nations winner he has off-the-field interests stretching from a coffee brand to a health and fitness business. He considers his lessons in dealing with pressure, setting goals and getting the best from yourself and your team.

Ben Kay

Ben joined England’s rugby team shortly before the famous World Cup victory, and was still playing four years later when they struggled to reach the final. In presentations Ben considers the differences between the two teams – and the lessons they teach us about leadership, culture and attitude. Now at the helm of his own ad agency, and a key member of BT Sport’s Premiership team, he’s very well placed to translate on-field experience into practical business tips.

Brian Moore

When he wasn’t practising litigation, Brian won 64 England caps and the Player of the Year crown. Well known for reciting Henry V before a match, he went on to write The Thoughts Of Chairman Moore. After dinner the former hooker (and qualified manicurist) mixes dressing room tales with tips on teamwork.

Brian O’Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll is an internationally renowned rugby star and the greatest Irish player of all time. He has competed in the Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup and the Heineken Cup, and is regarded as one of the finest centres in the world. He also became the first Irish Lions captain for decades, before dislocating his shoulder during the opening match of the tour in New Zealand.

Richard Parks

When injury cut short his rugby career, Richard was inspired by Ran Fiennes to retrain as a mountaineer. He’s since taken on the most arduous physical challenges from climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents to the Yak Attack mountain bike race in Nepal, five consecutive marathons in Peru’s rainforest, two Ironman contests (back-to-back) in Snowdonia and a race to the South Pole. Testing his capabilities to the limits, and helping to further scientific understanding of mind and body through his expeditions, Richard reflects on what a person is capable of.

Francois Pienaar

Francois Pienaar’s defining moment came as he led the Springboks to World Cup glory, instilling immense national pride. The story was later told in the Hollywood movie Invictus, with Matt Damon portraying his role in attempting to unite the post- apartheid nation through sport. In presentations the ex-Saracens player and coach talks about his enormous respect for Nelson Mandela, and how unwavering belief can often make the difference between success and failure.

Gareth Thomas

Wales’ most capped rugby player captained his side to Grand Slam victory and led a British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. He became the ninth highest try scorer in the world, then switched codes. Gareth also hit the headlines as the only openly gay man in the sport; he holds the tag with pride, but still looks towards the day when it’s no longer an issue. In his speech Gareth talks about success on the field and the hurdles he had to overcome.

Phil Vickery

Having won the World Cup with the England rugby team, Phil is now almost as well known for his win on Celebrity Masterchef. He speaks about his part in the England team, how they took on, and beat the world, and whether the pressure of a World Cup final can match that of kitchen.

Sir Clive Woodward

Back in 2003 the nation held its collective breath as Clive’s men fulfilled their promise and clinched the Rugby World Cup. He has now helped elite athletes achieve unprecedented success and has launched a new app to capture knowledge on any subject. In presentations and workshops Clive demonstrates the power of collaborative leadership – and how to create a winning mindset. He also unpicks the DNA of a champion, which goes way beyond talent.