John Kirwan

John Kirwan, a rugby legend, has paved the way for free and open conversations about mental health and being vulnerable. As Co-Founder of Groov, John is keen on improving mental health and wellbeing management in workplaces. A seasoned speaker who is happy to share more about his personal experience in sports and in the realm of mental health, John is now available to hire for a wide range of events.

John began his professional rugby journey in 1984, playing for the All Blacks. In his 10-year long rugby career, John set the New Zealand record for 199 first-class tries. He was also an integral part of the 1987 Rugby World Cup team for New Zealand. John became one of the first popular athletes who tried to normalise conversations about mental health after he underwent a period of depression and anxiety in his life.

Holding the purpose of improving how people deal with mental health issues close to his heart, John also hosts the Open Minded podcast. He conducts in-depth interviews with his guests, delving into stories about well-being and how to prioritise it in the workplace. He has helped numerous organisations look after their most valuable assets – their people.

In the effort to change how people perceive mental health, John has done some extraordinary work in ending the stigma around mental health in New Zealand and around the world. The face of mental health in New Zealand for over 20 years, John received the Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Mental Health and Rugby in 2012. He also received an OBE in 1989. Sir John Kirwan is now available to speak at a wide range of events and is bound to astound your audience with his charismatic personality.