Jason Leonard, the former rugby union player and record-breaker, remains a towering figure in sports, even years after his retirement. Known as one of the most capped players, Jason has since taken on roles as a sports speaker and an entertaining addition to after-dinner events. Jason's rugby journey began with Harlequins, where he made nearly 300 appearances and played a crucial role throughout his amateur and professional eras. His international career earned him an unmatched 114 caps for England - a record then - and five for the British and Irish Lions across three tours. Today, Jason tours the speaking circuit, delighting audiences with tales from the rugby pitch. He also offers lively pub crawls on his Fun Bus and raises money for deprived children worldwide through his charity, the Atlas Foundation.
Four Grand Slam titles with England mark Jason's playing legacy between 1991 and 2003, and his participation in four Rugby World Cups, including the triumphant 2003 victory over Australia, alongside Martin Johnson and coached by Clive Woodward. The "Fun Bus," as he was affectionately called, played a key role in the team, an experience that taught Jason the power of leadership, communication and high performance. Jason's versatility, playing both loosehead and tighthead prop, set him apart as a cornerstone of England's side during his 14-year international career. Jason's reputation as a rugby icon remains untarnished. He continues to be revered by English fans and supporters across the rugby world, his stories and insights captivating audiences at the many speaking engagements he attends.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Jason has significantly contributed to rugby governance and charitable work. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014 and served as RFU President from 2015 to 2016 when England hosted the Rugby World Cup. He has chaired the British and Irish Lions, shaping the sport's future. Jason also founded The Atlas Foundation, which uses rugby to help young people living in poverty worldwide. Jason's dedication to the game is further evidenced by his roles on the Six Nations and Lions Boards, underscoring his continued influence on the sport he loves. His contributions to charities such as Wooden Spoon and Sparks reflect his passion for giving back, reinforcing his legacy both on and off the pitch.
Jason has also made several media appearances, featuring on This Is Your Life in 2000 and the podcast The Good, The Bad and the Rugby in 2020. In 2012, Jason was awarded the Prince Obolensky Award for his work with the rugby union and embodying the Corinthian Spirit. Few rugby speakers compare to Jason Leonard. His insight into the sport is only rivalled by his captivating stage presence, entertaining audiences with star-studded anecdotes from the pitch. For corporate audiences, Jason's talks are sprinkled with inspiring takeaways on teamwork and leadership, while after dinner events benefit from his incredible stories. Having raised over £4 million through his charity, Jason also attends galas and fundraisers. Finally, as a Senior Advisor for Besso Group, a leading Lloyd's broker, Jason is well-placed to ignite business success in his audience.
Social Media
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Books
Jason Leonard: Full Time the Autobiography of a Rugby Legend
Reviews
Jason Leonard received a 4.5 star rating across 21 events in 2023.
Agent Recommendation
“Jason Leonard is more than just a rugby legend—he’s an engaging storyteller who brings the spirit of the game to life. With tales from his record-breaking career, including World Cup glory and Grand Slam triumphs, Jason delivers powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of teamwork, leaving audiences inspired and motivated.”
How to hire Jason Leonard
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jason Leonard for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Jason Leonard's official speaking topics are listed below:
- High Performance
- Winning the 2003 World Cup
- Teamwork & Leadership
- The Winning Mindset
- Resilience & Perseverance
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"I wanted to thank you for setting up the visit from Jason to Thurston RFC on Saturday - he did a great job. lots of good rugby stories and very open and relaxed - just right for such an evening - if you could please pass our thanks onto him as well." - Thurston RFC
"Please can you pass on our huge thanks to Jason Leonard for Friday night. He was absolutely brilliant... and patient with the slightly squiffy guests although I did my very best to get him out and on the road in time! What a lovely man. The feedback has been fantastic and for a small club like us it's invaluable." - Amanda, Mowden Park
"The event went really well, thanks and Jason did a great job. He was great in the Q&A and was great when interacting with guests." - Octagon
- 2024 - Attended the Rugby World Cup 20th Anniversary Reunion Dinner, presented by Sport Links
- 2023 - Helped raise £17,500 for local charity, Ruils
- 2021 - Oversaw the highly anticipated tour to South Africa as Chairman of the Lions
- 2016 - Appointed Chairman of the British & Irish Lions
- 2015 - Appointed President of the Rugby Football Union (RFU)
- 2014 - Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame
- 2004 - Retired from international rugby as the most-capped player of all time
- 2003 - Became the first forward to earn 100 caps
- 2003 - Played in England's Six Nations Grand Slam, winning the World Cup
- 2002 - Awarded an MBE for his services to rugby
- 2001 - Surpassed Sean Fitzpatrick's record to become the world’s most-capped forward
- 2000 - Broke the England cap record with his 86th appearance against Argentina
- 1997 - Played in the Lions’ series win over South Africa, featuring in two Test matches
- 1995 - Won his third Grand Slam with England and played in the Rugby World Cup in South Africa
- 1993 - Participated in his first British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand
- 1991 - Helped England reach the Rugby World Cup final
- 1990 - Made his England debut at age 21, becoming the youngest prop to play for England in nearly 30 years