Nigel Owens is recognised as one of the world’s leading rugby referees. Highly respected, he has officiated in many of the sport’s key matches. He is also the only openly gay rugby union referee on the circuit.
Before reaching the highest rankings of the rugby world, Nigel Owens had to come to terms with the despair that drove him to attempt suicide as he struggled with his sexuality, bulimia and an addiction to steroids. An inspirational story, his autobiography “Half Time” is a brave and honest account of his personal struggle to overcome fear and prejudice to become one of the most respected and well known personalities in international rugby union.
Nigel is an extremely popular and entertaining after-dinner speaker. His warmth and humour (he worked as a comedian in South Wales in the 80’s) shine through his story, which is brimming with anecdotes about matches he has refereed and players he has met along the way: from Gavin Henson’s first match, to on-pitch altercations with Austin Healey, Lawrence Dallaglio’s intimidation tactics, coping with live televised matches, and needing a police escort from the grounds in Auch, France, to his thoughts on the Heineken Cup quarter final between Harlequins and Leinster on 12th April 2009, which was to rock the foundations of rugby worldwide when Harlequins wing Tom Williams bit on a blood capsule and faked injury.
To book International Rugby Referee & Keynote Speaker Nigel Owens for your event, contact Front Row Speakers on +353 1 485 3991 or email welcome@frontrowspeakers.com.
Nigel Owens is a highly respected rugby union referee and a prominent figure in the sports world. His speaking engagements often draw from his extensive experience in rugby, as well as his personal journey and advocacy work. Here are some common topics Nigel Owens covers in his speeches:
- Leadership and Decision-Making: Nigel shares insights on leadership and the importance of making decisive, fair, and ethical decisions, drawing parallels from his role as an international rugby referee.
- Overcoming Adversity and Personal Challenges: Nigel speaks candidly about his personal struggles, including his battle with depression and coming out as gay in a high-profile sports environment. His story is one of resilience and courage, offering inspiration to audiences facing their own challenges.
- Teamwork and Communication: Emphasising the importance of teamwork and effective communication, Nigel uses his experiences on the rugby field to illustrate how clear communication and collaboration lead to success.
- Diversity and Inclusion: As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Nigel discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports and beyond. He addresses how organisations and individuals can foster more inclusive environments.
- Mental Health and Well-being: Nigel’s personal experiences with mental health issues enable him to speak authentically about the importance of mental well-being, the challenges of dealing with mental health problems, and the strategies for managing and improving mental health.
- Ethics and Integrity in Sport: Drawing on his career as a referee, Nigel highlights the importance of ethics, integrity, and fair play in sports, discussing how these values are essential both on and off the field.
- Motivation and Personal Development: Nigel provides motivational insights, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions, stay true to themselves, and continuously strive for personal development.
Nigel Owens is a compelling speaker who connects with diverse audiences through his powerful storytelling and relatable experiences. To book Nigel Owens for a speaking engagement, you can contact his representatives or the agency that handles his bookings. They can provide detailed information on his availability, fees, and specific requirements for different events.
”We all loved Nigel’s talk – he was so engaging and inspirational. We are thrilled with the engagement of employees and attendees, it’s tough for us to get attendance on initiatives like this so delighted with how well attended it was. So far, feedback has been very positive, a lot of people were overwhelmed with Nigel’s honesty around his story, and loved the Q&A.”
– Finance industry, 2020
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