Nigel Owens: International Rugby Referee

  • Highlights:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Cardiff, Wales
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Nigel Owens is a professional rugby union referee who made history by coming out as gay in 2007. One of the most recognisable figures in the game, Nigel is the world’s first openly gay referee and has overseen some of the sport’s biggest matches.

Away from the pitch, he has become an established LGBT speaker who can recall the difficulties of being gay in such a masculine sport at corporate, public and Pride events.

Nigel always struggled with his sexuality, particularly due to homosexuality being stigmatised in the world of sport. Coming to terms with who he had caused him to suffer from mental health problems and he even debated taking his own life.

Nigel Owens | International Rugby Referee

When booked as an LGBT speaker Nigel Owens often discusses these dark moments in his life, showing audiences how it is possible to overcome adversity and rebuild your mental health. Nigel is a patron of the LGBT Centre of Excellence Wales, a testament to how far he has come to pioneer support and equality for the LGBT community. In recognition of such work, he was made MBE in 2016.

Throughout his career, Nigel has taken charge of some of the biggest rugby matches in the world both nationally and on the international stage. His first Test match came in 2003 and since then he has officiated more Test matches than any other official. This includes three World Cups and arguably his biggest success to date came when he oversaw the final in 2015 between New Zealand and Australia.

As one of the first-ever Welsh professional referees, Nigel Owens longevity in the game is truly unique and his authoritative yet fair approach has made him incredibly well respected across the world.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

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!

View further speakers

  • (13)
Robyn O’Brien

Robyn O Brien leverages her expertise to guide businesses of all sizes through the evolving demands of 21st-century consumers. With a profound understanding of the intersection between food, health, and business, Robyn has become a renowned figure globally, reshaping corporate strategies and advocating for a healthier, more sustainable future. Recognized as one of the foremost […]

  • Travels from: Boulder, CO
  • Business Speakers
  • (22)
  • Featured
James Hewitt - Image 01 (February 13, 2026)

James Hewitt is a distinguished authority on workplace wellbeing and sustainable high performance, globally recognised for his pioneering work with clients ranging from Formula One teams to Fortune 500 companies. Over a notable career, James has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge research with practical insights, empowering organisations to foster thriving, high-performing work environments […]

  • Travels from: London, UK
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (37)
Jerry Carroll

Country comedian Jerry Carroll harvests a bumper crop of high hilarity in his fast-paced, high-energy show about everyday life. His relatable topics crack up the most hard-to-please crowds. Jerry found comedy growing up on his family’s farm. For 20 years, he worked the farm before finally pursuing his life’s dream of entertaining people and making […]

  • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
  • Comedian Performers
  • (8)
Eli Walker: Wellness Speaker. Emcee

As the founder of the internationally-acclaimed wellness brand Drunk Yoga® (now The Uplift Center), Eli Walker pioneered the wellness entertainment movement to bridge the gap between #selfcare and #communitycare. Now, Eli helps organizations and individuals do the same: break the rules to get over themselves, engage community and spark radical belonging through the power of play. When you […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (10)
Kerri Strug - Image 03 (January 29, 2026)

Kerri Strug vaulted into Olympic history with her courageous performance during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With the world watching, she executed a near-flawless vault on an injured ankle, securing the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Her determination and resilience in that defining moment made her an American hero, […]

  • Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
  • Summer Olympians
  • (66)
Paula Zahn

A 30-year news veteran, journalist Paula Zahn is executive producer and host of Discovery ID`s On the Case with Paula Zahn. Paula is also the co-host of Sunday Arts, a weekly television magazine for news covering the arts in New York City. She also hosted the highly acclaimed two hour documentary for PBS called The Retirement Revolution, taking […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (21)
Robyn Benincasa

Robyn Benincasa has made an art form of extreme performance by competing and winning at the highest levels of sport and business. Robyn is an award-winning keynote speaker, a 20+ year veteran San Diego firefighter, a World Champion Adventure Racer, a 2014 CNN Hero, a Guinness World Record Endurance Kayaker, a best-selling author, and founder […]

  • Travels from: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (10)
Todd Buchholz

Todd Buchholz has been featured alongside such luminaries as Colin Powell, Michael Porter, and Jeff Bezos. He has been invited to guide corporate and political leaders around the world, from the UK and New Zealand parliaments, to the Mexican and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, to tech and entertainment firms in Seoul. An internationally known consultant […]

  • Travels from: Solana Beach, CA
  • Finance Speakers
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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
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.