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The Ultimate Guide to Rugby Speakers: Inspiring Stories and Leadership Insights

Table of Contents

This ultimate guide is for event planners and organisers. It lists the most influential and inspiring rugby speakers available to speak at conferences and corporate events.

Covering stories of perseverance and resilience to profound insights into leadership and coaching that can transform team dynamics, you’ll find the very best keynote speakers from the world of rugby. Listing players, coaches, media presenters, and broadcasters. Each bring the game’s spirit to the podium, delivering inspiring talks that create lasting change.

Whether talking about life lessons, leadership ideas, team building, resilience or strategy, these speakers bring a wealth of experience to events, drawing parallels between high-pressure games and the challenges faced in the corporate world or personal life, that resonate with audiences of all sizes and backgrounds.

All rugby speakers are categorised to make it easier to find the right speaker for your event, whether you are looking for:

  • inspirational stories,
  • leadership speakers and insights into building winning teams, or
  • presenters, broadcasters and commentators who have brought the sport to life through media and analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Rugby speakers have the ability to engage and motivate audiences through compelling stories and leadership insights, making them ideal for corporate events with a leadership focus.
  • They specialize in themes such as leadership, teamwork, diversity, and mental toughness, making them relevant and impactful choices for a wide range of events including corporate gatherings, team-building sessions, and motivational talks.
  • They are highly sought-after because of their ability to engage with audiences, through captivating tales and insightful lessons. Most will customize these stories to align with your event objectives.

Inspirational And Motivational Rugby Speakers

Inspirational and Motivational Rugby Speakers
Photo of Maggie Alphonsi by Steve is licensed under CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons (Modified)

Rugby is a sport full of highs and lows, wins and losses, and stories of courage and determination. In this section, we have listed the top rugby speakers who have overcome immense challenges to succeed and thrive.


Ed Jackson

Biography

Ed Jackson, a former professional rugby player, experienced a life-changing accident in 2017 that left him quadriplegic. His remarkable recovery journey, from regaining mobility to becoming an adventurer and motivational speaker, showcases unparalleled resilience and determination.

“Very inspiring talk from Ed Jackson at Microsoft yesterday. Incredible story, amazing what can be achieved with the right mind set and determination. Highly recommend.”

— Iwan Evans, Microsoft

Why Book Ed Jackson?

Ed Jackson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a positive mindset. As a speaker, he captivates audiences with his experiences of overcoming adversity, inspiring them to face challenges head-on. His talks are perfect for those seeking motivation, resilience, and leadership insights.


Jonny Wilkinson

Biography

Jonny Wilkinson is an iconic former England rugby player, best known for his legendary performance in the 2003 Rugby World Cup where he scored the winning drop goal. With 91 caps for England and multiple accolades, including BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Jonny’s career is a testament to his skill and determination on the field.

“We have had some amazing feedback, with a couple of people even saying Jonny was the best speaker so far! Great take home messages, and amazing honesty from him.”

— Roche Products Ltd

Why Book Jonny Wilkinson?

Jonny Wilkinson’s talks offer profound insights into achieving peak performance, mental resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. His compelling stories from his illustrious career inspire audiences to overcome challenges and strive for greatness.


Maggie Alphonsi

Biography

Maggie Alphonsi is a celebrated former England rugby player and World Cup winner, recognized for her exceptional career and contributions to the sport. She is one of the most influential figures in women’s rugby and has become a prominent motivational speaker, sharing her journey from the pitch to inspiring audiences worldwide.

“..In addition to being absolutely inspiring on the panel and offering thought provoking views on gender balance and her on experiences, she was just brilliant to have on board in terms of speaking with the media and interacting with the delegates…”

— Harriet Rochester, Women in Racing

Why Book Maggie Alphonsi?

Maggie Alphonsi’s story of overcoming adversity and achieving excellence in a male-dominated sport resonates with diverse audiences. Her motivational talks focus on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers, making her an inspiring choice for events aimed at driving positive change and empowering individuals.


Heather Moyse

Biography

Heather Moyse is a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist in bobsleigh, as well as a World Rugby Hall of Famer. Known for her versatility, she excelled in multiple sports, including rugby and track cycling, making her one of Canada’s top all-around athletes.

“Rarely do I hear a speaker who connects as well to an audience as Heather does. I’ve seen her flourish in the world of speaking and help tens of thousands of people see their potential by sharing her unique perspectives.”

— John C. Maxwell, Author & Leadership Expert

Why Book Heather Moyse?

Heather Moyse’s journey from top-level rugby to Olympic gold medals embodies resilience and perseverance. Her motivational talks inspire audiences to push their limits, redefine possibilities, and achieve peak performance. Heather’s engaging storytelling and practical insights make her a standout speaker for any event.


Mike Brown

Biography

Mike Brown is an English professional rugby union player who plays fullback for Leicester Tigers, known for his tenacity and skill as a fullback. With over 350 club appearances and 72 caps for England, Mike played a pivotal role in England’s Six Nations triumphs and the historic 2016 whitewash of Australia.

Why Book Mike Brown?

Mike Brown’s career exemplifies resilience and determination. His motivational talks focus on overcoming adversity, achieving peak performance, and the importance of adaptability and mental toughness, making him an inspirational speaker for any audience.


Karl Dickson

Biography

Karl Dickson is a distinguished rugby figure, known for his dual careers as a professional player and referee. He played for Harlequins and earned caps with England, significantly contributing to Harlequins’ 2012 Premiership win. Transitioning to officiating, Karl has served as a top-tier Rugby Union referee, officiating key matches including the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and final.

Why Book Karl Dickson?

Karl’s journey from player to referee offers unparalleled insights into high-performance sports. His experiences in leadership, decision-making, and maintaining performance under pressure make him an inspiring and motivational speaker.

Why Book Karl Dickson?

Karl educates your audience on what it’s really like to be a high performing athlete, but from a different perspective. Managing the professional game of Rugby comes with unimaginable strains; be it time away from family, social media abuse, face to face abuse, adapting to the development of the game, maintaining peak fitness and in Karl’s case, reffing against former friends and teammates. He likes to give a truer account of what a professional rugby ref looks like and help people understand the unseen/unthought of side to it.

He also has a big emphasis on teamwork and can talk about this from both his time as a player, and a ref.

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