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Keith wood

Keith Wood

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A former Ireland international rugby player, Keith Wood is regarded as one of the best hookers of his generation, representing his country on 58 occasions. Also making five appearances for the British & Irish Lions, he won the first-ever World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2001 and since retiring has established himself as one of the most popular rugby after-dinner speakers in the business.

At all of his speaking engagements, Keith’s larger than life personality and hilarious on-stage persona always make him a hit with audiences. Regularly recalling captivating anecdotes from his sporting career, Keith enhances every event he attends.

The son of former Ireland prop Gordon Wood, it came as no surprise that Keith followed in his father’s footsteps. His career began with the Irish side Garryowen in 1991, where he helped the side win two All Ireland titles in 1992 and 1994. In 1995, rugby union turned professional and Keith signed for English side Harlequins. At all of his rugby speaking events, he can discuss the sport’s transition to professionalism, and how he saw the game change throughout his career.

While he was a huge success in the domestic game, it was on the international stage that he really shone. In 1994 he made his debut for the team and was famous for his strength and leadership qualities. Having excelled for the British and Irish Lions, he was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2001.

His total of 15 international Test tries was a record for a hooker at the time of his retirement, and at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, he scored four tries in one match against the USA. As one of the most popular rugby speakers around, he can discuss his career highlights at all of his speaking occasions much to the delight of audiences.

Keith retired from professional sport in 2003 after the Rugby World Cup. Since then, he’s worked as a popular rugby pundit for the BBC and Daily Telegraph providing his expert insight and opinion on the sport’s latest matches and events. In recent years, Keith has been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame, showing how well regarded he remains in the sport.

If you’d like to book Keith Wood for your next event contact Evolve today.

Topics and Themes

  • British and Irish Lions
  • Rugby
  • Broadcasting
  • Sporting Success
  • Leadership

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