The Best Rugby Speakers

Martin Johnson CBE

Looking for a leader? Martin Johnson is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting leaders of all time, captaining England to their World Cup victory and Six Nations Grand Slam in 2003.

Spending his entire career at the Leicester Tigers, Martin won five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups with the club, in what is regarded their best-ever era. Following his retirement in 2005, he continued his presence in the sport as England’s national team manager, leading them to Six Nations victory in 2011.

Martin is one of a few Rugby speakers available who played in both the amateur and professional eras of the sport and can expand on this when speaking at events.

Brian O’Driscoll

Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Rugby. Brian played over 100 games for his country and led them to two Six Nations victories, including their Grand Slam in 2009.

From a family of Rugby players, Brian grew up with the sport and his experience undoubtedly led him to becoming the all-time Six Nations top try scorer. He was named Six Nations Player of the Year on three occasions, and in 2016 was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame. Since his retirement in 2014, Brian has worked in punditry for both BT Sport and ITV.

If you’re looking for experience, then look no further than Brian O’Driscoll. His career both on the field and as a commentator, allows him to give insights into players, thought processes and likely outcomes and attitudes of the game.

Rachel Burford

Rachel Burford is one of England’s most famous female Rugby players, having represented her country on over 80 occasions, and competing in four World Cups.

Rachel made her England debut in 2006 and has since been named Player of the Year, been a part of two squads for the Sevens World Cup, and won the 2019 Six Nations grand slam. In 2016, she became the first female player on the RPA Players’ board and joined the World Rugby Women’s Advisory Committee.

Rachel is the perfect speaker for both Rugby and motivation. Playing an undoubtedly male dominated sport, Rachel can share her experience in overcoming the negative connotations associated with the stereotype, as well as share her on-field tips.

Lawrence Dallaglio OBE

Considered one of the best players of his generation, Lawrence Dallaglio has a multitude of experience in the game of Rugby as a former flanker and captain of the England.

Lawrence played for Premiership side Wasps for 18 years, making his debut at age 18, and winning five premiership titles with them. He was also part of the England team who won the Grand Slam and Rugby World Cup in 2003 and is now one of the most popular Rugby speakers in the industry.

Lawrence is commended on not only his speaking on the sport, but also on the themes of self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment, making him a fantastic option to boost motivation.

Mike Tindall MBE

Spending over 17 years playing professional Rugby at the highest level, Mike Tindall is considered one of the greatest centre’s to have played the sport.

Playing 75 times for his country over an 11-year career, Mike’s greatest achievements include England’s success in both their first-ever World Cup win and Grand Slam in the Six Nations in 2003. Mike is still heavily involved in the sport and is listened to by many on his podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, alongside former international James Haskell, and broadcaster Alex Payne.

Mike is the ideal speaker to share his career-defining and behind-the-scenes moments which contributed to his great success. Not only does he convey his knowledge of the sport, but he also engages audiences with his comical and unique anecdotes.

James Haskell 

Seeking a familiar face? Not only is James Haskell an iconic former England international Rugby International, but he has also stayed within the spotlight since his retirement as a popular TV personality.

James’ extensive Rugby career includes having played for his country 77 times, as well as focussing on domestic Rugby in England, France, Japan, and New Zealand. Since his retirement from playing the sport in 2019, James has appeared on many primetime shows, including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of here!

Rugby fan or no Rugby fan, James Haskell is a recognisable name, perfect for headlining any form of Rugby event. Whilst he is an exceptional speaker on the sport, his wider experiences also allow for his speaking to overlay various topics.

Sarah Hunter MBE

England Rugby captain and World Cup winner, Sarah Hunter, is a leading inspirational figure for females in the sport.

Sarah has led England to four Six Nations Grand Slam titles and was a key member of the team that in 2014, won the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. She was also in the side that won BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award. Sarah is the second most-capped England Women’s player of all time and in 2016, was named England’s Player of the Year by the Rugby Players’ Association, and World Rugby’s Player of the Year.

With a wealth of experience and achievements in the sport, Sarah is the perfect advocate to motivate girls and women’s rugby and prove the successes that can be achieved by them in the sport.

Keith Wood

Representing his country on 58 occasions and making five appearances for the British & Irish Lions, Keith Wood is recognised as one of the best hookers of his generation.

Keith won the first-ever World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2001, and at the time of his retirement as a professional in 2003, held the title for the most international test tries by a hooker. Since retiring, Keith has been a prevalent pundit for both the BBC and Daily Telegraph and has been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame.

Keith is the ideal person to speak on both his experiences playing, and his observations on how the game has evolved as he has been a pundit. His lengthy career and practice of public speaking makes him a very popular option.

Will Greenwood MBE

World-class centre Will Greenwood progressed throughout his Rugby career for both club and country as he achieved some of the sport’s greatest accomplishments.

Will was selected ahead of the then England captain to feature in the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 1997, excelling his career. He was also a pivotal member of England’s historic Rugby World Cup winning team and their victorious Grand Slam at the Six Nations in 2003. Since hanging his boots up, Will has been a much-loved TV pundit, covering the Autumn Internationals, World Cup, and Six Nations.

If you’re looking for insights and predictions for the upcoming tournaments, Will is the perfect person to use his expertise and experience to share these. His regular speaking makes him professional and engaging at any event.

Jason Robinson OBE

Representing his country in both Rugby union and Rugby league as a tricky winger or fullback, Jason Robinson is now regarded as one of the most unique Rugby speakers in the industry.

Jason was a fundamental part of the Wigan side that dominated British Rugby League in the 1990’s, winning seven league titles and five Challenge Cups. He played 12 times for Great Britain and seven times for England and was in the winning World Cup team in 2003. Jason also made history in the sport by being the first-ever black player to captain the England Rugby union team.

Jason is perfect as a diverse speaker who can talk about both codes of the game, and the differences and his transition between the two. Working as a player, coach and latest speaker, Jason’s array of knowledge on the game is second-to-none which is reflected in his speaking.

Maggie Alphonsi MBE

England World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi MBE is one of the most well-known names in women’s teams sports in the world.

Maggie represented her country 74 times, scored 28 tries, and contributed to England’s record breaking winning of seven consecutive Six Nations titles. She was also part of the team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2014 for the first time in 20 years, and that won the BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award. In 2016 Maggie made history by becoming the first England Women’s player to be elected as a National Member of the Rugby Football Union’s Council, making her one of just four females in total. Since her retirement, she has commentated on live Rugby matches for Sky Sports, BT Sport, and the BBC.

Maggie is one of the most inspiring figures for women in sport, and in particular the world of Rugby. Her determination and self-belief are exceptional in promoting gender equality in the sport and proving what can be possible.

Neil Back MBE

Legendary Rugby flanker, Neil Back, has achieved a multitude of successes throughout his career on the pitch and is now one of the most popular after-dinner speakers in the business.

Neil played for his country 66 times, and represented England at three World Cups, including being a member of the England squad that won the Rugby World Cup for the first time ever in 2003. He also won the 2003 Six Nations Grand Slam with England, embarked on three Lions tours and captained the team to four victories.

Following his retirement from playing in 2005, Neil turned to coaching. He is excellent at implementing his own learnings and motivating audiences to achieving their goals.

Jeremy Guscott

Currently a regular pundit for the BBC’s coverage of the Six Nations and World Cup matches, Jeremy Guscott is still very much at the centre of the Rugby world.

Jeremy played 65 times over a decade for his country and scored over 100 points. In 1989, he made his debut for England, scoring a hattrick against Romania, and was called up to the British & Irish Lions in the same year. He has participated in the formerly named Five Nations, amongst many other favourite tournaments.

Jeremy’s experience both on and off the field, as a player and pundit, enhances his speaking work, making him brilliant for both private and corporate events.

Matt Dawson MBE

Playing 77 times for his country, and as a member of England’s historic 2003 World Cup winning team, Matt Dawson is recognised as one of the best scrum-halves of his generation.

Alongside his successful Rugby career, Matt was host on popular tv show A Question of Sport as a team captain, alongside Cricket legend Phil Tufnell. Their trio with host Sue Barker created a much loved and humorous dynamic on the show.

His charismatic style and career, playing, commentating and as a television personality, makes him an exceptional speaker who is open to drawing on his experiences from both sport and entertainment.

Sir Clive Woodward 

Whilst an established player himself, Sir Clive Woodward is arguably best known as the coach who led England Rugby to historical successes.

Clive spent seven years as the England coach, guiding them to victory in the World Cup and Six Nations Grand Slam in 2003. Whilst an icon of the world of Rugby, Clive has also worked as a Performance Director at Southampton Football club, and at the British Olympic Association, where he helped London win the 2012 Olympic bid.

Clive’s experience and success in leading sporting teams is world-renowned. This makes him one of the most sought out speakers in the business, as he implements this knowledge and achievement to inspire and motivate audiences.

Our Rugby speakers not only provide entertaining anecdotes from their experiences in the tournaments, but also share their insights and predictions for the upcoming events. If you’re looking to motivate players, support a team, or simply expand your knowledge for the love of the sport, look no further than the Rugby speakers at Evolve. Whether you have a specific person in mind, or are open to suggestions, our friendly team can help find the perfect speaker for you!