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.
Reading time: 2 min
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

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

  • (82)
Chef Brooke Williamson

Chef Brooke Williamson is a culinary force to be reckoned with, known for her innovative approach to cooking and her unwavering commitment to excellence. With a career that spans over two decades, she has earned acclaim and respect from both her peers and food enthusiasts around the world. Her culinary journey took off when she […]

  • Travels from: Kings Beach, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (26)

Founder and CEO of the Crisis Ready Institute, Melissa Agnes is a recognized leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is the creator of the Crisis Ready® Model and author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World. She is a coveted speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Crisis Management
  • (25)
Nadya Zhexembayeva

Called ‘The Reinvention Guru’ (In Ventures magazine) and ‘The Queen of Reinvention’ (TEDx Navasink), Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a business owner, educator, speaker and author — specializing in reinvention. As a business owner, Nadya oversees a group of companies active in real estate, investment, and consulting. As a consultant, Nadya has helped such organizations as […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Strategy Speakers
  • (8)

Jeff Henderson’s journey from incarceration to acclaimed culinary artist is a testament to the transformative power of passion and determination. While serving a nearly decade-long sentence, Henderson discovered his love for cooking, igniting a fire within him that would propel him to the pinnacle of the culinary world. Today, he stands not only as a […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (43)
Danelle Umstead

Danelle Umstead is an extraordinary individual, a beacon of inspiration whose journey transcends sports and embodies the resilience of the human spirit. As a top inspirational keynote speaker and three-time Paralympic bronze medalist, Danelle has not only conquered the slopes but has also conquered the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.   Alongside her husband […]

  • Travels from: Park City, UT
  • Summer Olympians
  • (32)
Kelly McDonald

Kelly McDonald is a nationally recognized marketing expert, with deep specialization in diversity marketing and business trends. She was named #1 on Successful Meetings magazine’s list of “26 Hot Speakers.” Kelly is the author of How to Market to People Not Like You and has been featured on CNBC, in BusinessWeek, on CNNMoney.com and on Sirius/XM Radio. She works […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Branding Speakers
  • (10)
Lee Rubin

Lee Rubin is a dynamic keynote speaker, author, and team-building expert who leverages his unique background as a former captain of the Penn State Football Team to inspire and educate organizations on building high-performance teams. With over two decades of experience in leadership development and team dynamics, Lee has become a sought-after speaker for conferences, corporate […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Peak Performance
  • (9)
Uri Levine - co founder waze

Uri Levine is a globally recognized serial entrepreneur, tech visionary, and champion of problem-driven innovation who has dedicated his career to disrupting inefficient markets and creating large-scale value for consumers. Best known as the co-founder of Waze, the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, Uri helped build a platform that fundamentally changed how hundreds […]

  • Travels from: Tel Aviv-Yafo
  • Innovation 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.