Nigel Owens

Record-holding international referee, Nigel Owens is a key figure of Rugby Union and has been presiding over matches since 1987. The calm amongst the chaos of the game, Nigel’s ability to make effective decisions and perform under pressure has seen him lead an impressive career, and as a speaker, he now translates these skills to the boardroom. Nigel’s influence doesn’t stop on the pitch as he is also recognised for his contributions to LGBT+ and mental health advocacy, having been one of the first in the male-dominated sport’s history to come out as openly gay. With such an extensive career and public reach, Nigel is perfectly placed as a captivating after-dinner speaker or insightful diversity keynote speaker.

A referee for the Welsh Rugby Union, Nigel is one of only five to hold the professional title in the league. The recipient of the World Rugby Referee Award 2015, Nigel has since gone on to take the reins on some of the most prestigious competitions in recent history. From regular appearances on the International Rugby Board World Sevens Series to making his 150th professional appearance on Judgement Day 2017, Nigel has an earned respect amongst players and fans alike for his reliable leadership in games. Using good judgement, managing risks and effectively communicating are all key skills Nigel transfers into the boardroom as a speaker. Currently, he is the world record holder for the most test matches refereed.

Using his international platform in a male-dominated industry, Nigel came out publicly as gay in 2007, which in turn opened the conversation for the sport to encourage diversity and inclusion. Sharing his experience of attempted suicide, bullying and bulimia that had come from hiding his sexuality, Nigel’s honesty brought essential awareness to LGBT issues, particularly in sports. For his influential advocacy work, Nigel was named Stonewall’s Gay Sports Personality of the Year 2007 and in 2015 as the Gay Sports Personality of the Decade. Hailed as one of Wales’ Leading LGBT Figures on the 2017 Pinc List, Nigel continues to be committed to supporting diverse rights and is a patron of the Wooden Spoon Charity. In 2022, Nigel became an Ambassador for Accelerate Sport, working with the company to engage sports clubs on equality, diversity, LGBT+ inclusion and mental health.

At events, Nigel provides a professional and personable talk, backed by his experience as the host of the Welsh show ‘A Minute to Go’. Recognised from his sporting success, media work and LGBT commitments, Nigel is guaranteed to impress and engage audiences as your chosen speaker. Whether he is discussing his career on the pitch or harrowing journey with mental health, Nigel captivates audiences of all demographics.