Whether you’re looking for an entertaining after dinner speech, an “Evening with…” or an awards host for your event, Prime Performers have a whole host of former rugby stars to offer. From Martin Bayfield to Martin Johnson, via Willie John McBride and Phil Bennett, we have legendary players, commentators and coaches, including Sir Clive Woodward, who can give your event that extra special something. Just a sample of the rugby legends that we work with can be found below. To discuss the requirements for your event, or to check the availability of one of our speakers, just drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help you make your next rugby event one to remember.
Ben Kay OBE
Ben describes himself on Twitter as an “ex-rugby player who had an occasional catching problem”. He is referring, of course, to the World Cup final in 2003 against Australia, when he famously knocked-on in a try-scoring position. Fortunately England managed to win the title despite his handling error and Ben went on to be one of only four players to start both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cup Finals. Since retiring at the end of the 2009/10 season, after 11 years with Leicester Tigers, Ben’s ready wit and intelligent analysis of the game have seen him establish himself as a regular commentator on our television screens. A role that has helped him develop into a superb choice as an award host, motivational and after dinner speaker.
Gavin Hastings
Nicknamed ‘Big Gav’ for pretty obvious reasons, former fullback Gavin Hastings is commonly touted as the best rugby player to ever come out of Scotland. He represented his country 61 times, 20 of those as captain, and led the British & Irish Lions in their 1993 tour of New Zealand. In addition to a thriving career in club and international rugby, Gavin is a 5 handicap golfer and played in the 2009 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, alongside big name sporting and acting celebrities. No stranger to public speaking, Gavin appears regularly in the media and newspapers. His tailor-made presentations are filled with a mix of humorous and inspirational anecdotes, making him an ideal event host and entertaining after dinner speaker.
Gareth Chilcott
The former Bath Rugby Club and England player is the man renowned for celebrating his international debut by punching an Australian scrum-half! During his playing days Gareth, more popularly known as “Cooch”, was instantly recognisable thanks to his infamous headband and moustache combo. Despite his fierce reputation and combativeness on the pitch, which made for many an uneasy opponent, Gareth is still loved as one of rugby’s great characters. Since his retirement he has kept himself busy by appearing as a regular pundit on radio and television, written two books as well as making the occasional appearance in Pantomime! If you are looking for someone to deliver an entertaining after dinner or motivational speech, packed full of hilarious rugby anecdotes, look no further.
Gareth Edwards CBE
Widely regarded as the best player to ever don the Welsh shirt, and perhaps the greatest rugby player of all time, Gareth Edwards has been honoured by the people of Wales with his own statue at St. David’s Centre. His popularity with his countrymen was earned through an international career that spanned Wales’ finest decade of rugby success, with Gareth being one of only a small group of players to have won three Grand Slams. Drawing upon his vast experience of rugby, and throwing in his love of fishing, Gareth makes a brilliant after dinner speaker. His seemingly never-ending tales and willingness to engage in question and answer sessions ensure an amusing and engaging speech, which encompasses a truly inspirational career as well as his personal life. A fanatical golfer, Gareth is also available for Golf Days, either taking part or as a speaker.
Sean Fitzpatrick
Sean is remembered as one of the most enduring international rugby players ever, thanks to an All Blacks career spanning 11 years, which included a 5 year spell as captain. In that time he amassed an incredible 92 caps, scoring 55 test points, including 12 tries and earned a reputation for having one of the most accurate lineout throws in the game. His efforts for his country saw Sean made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 1997 New Year Honours. Still highly respected in the game, Sean has turned down numerous offers to coach rugby, instead opting to concentrate on his roles as an analyst for UK television and as a motivational speaker. Drawing upon his experience as a winning captain, Sean discusses how the lessons learned on the rugby field can be transferred to both the business and personal environment.