John Smit: Rugby Legend

Highlights:
  • John Smit is a retired rugby union player who captained South Africa in their successful 2007 World Cup campaign.
  • He predominantly played his domestic rugby at the Sharks but also enjoyed time at Clermont and the Saracens.
  • He retired from international rugby as the most-capped South African of all-time, with 111 appearances.

Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
  • Reading Time: 2 min
  • Bio Word Count: 305
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Johannesburg, SA
  • **Fee range: $500 - $5,000

Keynote Topics

When at corporate events or functions, Smit often discusses the following topics:

  • Rugby Career
  • Maximising Success
  • Overcoming Barriers
  • Peak Performance
  • Dealing with Pressure
  • Importance of Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Being a Role Model
  • International Rugby
  • Domestic Rugby
  • Rugby World Cup
  • Adaptability

As the former captain of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, John Smit’s legacy extends far beyond the rugby field, making him an exceptional choice for fireside chats with corporates seeking insights into leadership, resilience, and team dynamics.

John Smit

John Smit’s illustrious rugby career is etched in the annals of sports history. Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Smit rose to prominence as a dynamic and tenacious rugby player. His exceptional skill, strategic acumen, and unwavering leadership qualities culminated in a remarkable journey, including 111 caps for the Springboks and a stint as the team’s captain.

As the captain of the Springboks, John faced the daunting task of leading his team to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. His leadership during this historic triumph showcased not only his prowess on the rugby pitch but also his ability to inspire, unite, and guide a diverse group of individuals toward a common goal.

John’s fireside chats are not mere recountings of past victories but dynamic and interactive sessions designed to engage, inspire, and challenge corporate audiences. Through anecdotes, Q&A sessions, and thought-provoking discussions, Smit invites participants to explore the parallels between the world of rugby and the challenges faced by businesses in today’s dynamic landscape.

To bring the wisdom and inspiration of John Smit to your corporate event, contact us for booking details. Elevate your conference, leadership retreat, or team-building session with the unique insights of a rugby legend whose impact reaches far beyond the sports arena.

John Smit’s fireside chats are a transformative experience, offering corporates the opportunity to learn from a true leader, strategist, and champion. As your team embarks on a journey of growth, resilience, and collective success, let John Smit be your guide, imparting lessons forged in the crucible of elite sportsmanship.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (32)
Ellie Doty

Ellie Doty epitomizes the fusion of marketing brilliance and brand innovation, boasting an illustrious 18+ year career that has left an indelible mark on iconic global brands. With a strategic acumen honed through her tenure with industry giants like KFC, Taco Bell, Chili’s, and Burger King, Ellie has navigated the intricate landscape of multi-location marketing […]

  • Travels from: Louisville, KY
  • Branding Speakers
  • (31)
Robert O’Neill - Robert O'Neill - Robert O Neill

Robert O Neill is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time, renowned for his leadership, bravery, and resilience under pressure. A former Navy SEAL with a distinguished career spanning over 16 years, Robert’s exceptional contributions to national security have made him an iconic figure in military and leadership circles. Having served […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Military Speakers
  • (85)
Dawn Dickson

Dawn Dickson is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with over 20 years of experience in technology and business development. She has founded six successful cash flow positive companies since 2001, including Flat Out of Heels (2011) and PopCom (2017) and has successfully exited one company (Lifestyle Cafe, 2021). She is the first female founder globally […]

  • Travels from: Accra, Ghana
  • Entrepreneurship
  • (18)
  • (4)
Tracey Spicer

Tracey Spicer is a prominent figure in Australian journalism, celebrated for her impactful work as a journalist, broadcaster, author, and advocate for gender equality. With multiple Walkley Awards to her name, Spicer’s career spans across various media platforms, including television, radio, and print. Beyond her journalistic achievements, she is renowned for her advocacy efforts, particularly […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Journalism Speakers
  • (71)
Susan Oh

Susan Oh is a multi-award winning former business journalist (CNBC, Economist Intelligence Unit), trans media marketing campaigns creative (Expedia, Twentieth Century Fox), and civic technologist who has worked in Silicon Valley, New York City, Hong Kong, and Dubai. She is a globally respected thought leader and pioneer as among the first to model a commercially […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (9)
Marc Randolph

Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. As co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, he laid much of the groundwork for a service that’s grown to over 200 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media. He also served on the Netflix board of directors until retiring from the company […]

  • Travels from: Santa Cruz, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (175)
Jessica Mah San Francisco Speakers

As Founder and CEO of inDinero, Jessica Mah loves helping entrepreneurs run better businesses. She started inDinero back in 2010 to help entrepreneurs with all their accounting and tax needs after going through the same challenges with her own businesses.  Jessica has grown inDinero from zero to multi-million dollar revenues with over 100 full-time employees […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (216)
Julie Hyman

Julie Hyman hosts the 3-5 p.m. ET show on Yahoo Finance Live. Julie has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years, covering events including the Great Financial Crisis, the collapse of drugmaker Valeant and the rise of meme stocks. Welcome to the world of financial news, where expertise meets eloquence, and insightful analysis […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.