Rory Best

Rory Best is a distinguished former rugby union player, best known for his leadership as captain of the Irish national rugby team and his extraordinary achievements on the field. With 124 caps for Ireland and 218 caps for Ulster, Rory is one of the most capped rugby players in history. He earned a reputation for his formidable skills as a hooker and his natural leadership abilities. Since retiring in 2019, Rory has become a highly sought-after keynote and after-dinner speaker, sharing insights from his illustrious career with corporate audiences. His experience in managing high-pressure environments, leading teams, and achieving success makes him an engaging speaker across a range of topics, from teamwork to leadership.

Rory’s early career began with Ulster Rugby in 2004, where he quickly established himself as a key player. His leadership qualities were recognised when he was appointed captain of Ulster during the 2007/08 season. One of his early major achievements came when he helped Ulster secure the 2005/06 Pro12 Championship. Rory’s leadership was further cemented when he captained Ulster to the final of the Heineken Cup in 2012, one of the most prestigious rugby competitions in Europe. These experiences were pivotal in honing his leadership skills and laid the groundwork for his future success with the Irish national team.

Internationally, Rory’s career soared. He was a crucial part of Ireland’s victories in the 2007 Triple Crown and 2009 Grand Slam. In 2016, he was named captain of the national team and led them to some of their greatest successes, including Ireland’s first-ever win against New Zealand in 2016. Under his captaincy, Ireland won the 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam, a crowning achievement in his career. Rory also represented the British and Irish Lions on two tours, and captained them to a victory against the Chiefs during the 2017 New Zealand tour. His leadership on the world stage is widely regarded as one of the finest in rugby history.

Rory Best’s transition from sport to corporate speaking has been seamless. As a keynote speaker, he draws powerful parallels between the high-stakes world of international rugby and business environments. His stories of leading Ireland to Grand Slam victories, overcoming adversity, and maintaining composure under pressure offer valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and resilience. With his engaging style and wealth of experience, Best is an exceptional choice for organisations looking to inspire and motivate their teams.