Nigel Owens MBE is recognised as one of the world’s best rugby referees and is the first openly gay man to come out in professional rugby. Born and bred on a council estate in Mynyddcerrig, West Wales, and a fluent Welsh speaker, he first picked up the referee whistle aged... Read more
Nigel Owens MBE is recognised as one of the world’s best rugby referees and is the first openly gay man to come out in professional rugby. Born and bred on a council estate in Mynyddcerrig, West Wales, and a fluent Welsh speaker, he first picked up the referee whistle aged 16 after he was told he wouldn’t make it as a player. Owens officiated his first international game in 2005 between Ireland and Japan in Osaka and he made his World Cup debut in 2007 in France.
Nigel retired from international rugby in 2020 after becoming the first person to officiate 100 test matches. Undoubtedly, his career highlight was the 2015 World Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham, but he is also the only referee ever to be appointed for three consecutive Heineken Cup finals (2015, 2016 & 2017) as well as refereeing another four in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2020 making it a record seven European Cup finals.
Awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2016, Owens is admired and beloved across the world, particularly known for displaying a dry sense of humour and sharp wit when dealing with players. However, as his critically acclaimed and best-selling memoir “Half Time” recalls, Nigel’s career was almost over before it began, suffering eating disorders and a suicide attempt as he struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.
His bravery and campaigning work in equality, inclusiveness and mental health since has seen Nigel named ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Year’ and ‘Gay Sports Personality of the Decade’ by gay rights group Stonewall, awarded Honorary Doctorates at both Swansea and South Wales University and Honorary Fellowships at Cardiff University and Cardiff Met University. In 2011, Nigel was made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards at its National Eisteddfod in Wrexham for his services to the Welsh language.
Despite retiring from first-class rugby, Nigel Owens is as busy as ever. As well as coaching the next generation of referees and being an in-demand speaker and media personality, he has realised a boyhood dream of owning his own farm, breeding Hereford cattle.
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You can book Nigel Owens through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Nigel's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Nigel Owens's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Nigel tailored to your event.
Nigel Owens speaks on LGBTQ, Sports, Teamwork. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Nigel to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Nigel Owens for events worldwide, subject to Nigel's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Nigel Owens is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Nigel can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Nigel Owens on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Nigel can offer.
Nigel Owens delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Nigel Owens's areas of expertise include LGBTQ, Sports, Teamwork. To get a clear sense of Nigel's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Nigel Owens can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in LGBTQ, Sports, Teamwork is relevant. Details of Nigel's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Nigel Owens is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Nigel Owens, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Nigel's current availability for your dates.