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.
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
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Ryan Estis understands the pulse of modern business like few others can. With 15 years of experience as an ad agency executive, he’s been at the helm of steering companies towards unparalleled success. His journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurial innovation has equipped him with a unique perspective that resonates powerfully with audiences worldwide. Drawing […]
DJ BLAZE is one of the hottest DJs in Las Vegas!! A musician from birth, a remixer, and a respected industry leader, he can truly do it all. Blaze performs on the Las Vegas strip at the top casinos and pool parties, and travels the country to DJ at the hottest nightclubs and events. He […]
In the realm of professional keynote speakers, few embody the essence of high performance and leadership as vibrantly as Greg “Boss” Wooldridge. With an illustrious career marked by exceptional leadership roles, including being the only commanding officer to lead The Blue Angels for three separate tours, Greg Wooldridge has mastered the art of building teams […]
Dr. Martha Rogers, recognized globally for her groundbreaking work in customer-focused business strategies, is a thought leader who has transformed the landscape of customer relationship management (CRM) and customer experience (CX). With over 25 years of expertise, Dr. Rogers is the co-founder of the Peppers & Rogers Group, a consultancy that has shaped the strategic […]
Srinivas Rao is a visionary in the realm of creativity and AI. As the host of the acclaimed podcast, The Unmistakable Creative, he’s interviewed over a thousand thought leaders, gleaning profound insights on creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of AI. His bestselling book, The Art of Being Unmistakable, has inspired thousands of readers to […]
Anjelah Nicole Johnson is a renowned corporate comedian, actress, and speaker, celebrated for her impeccable timing, relatable humor, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. From humble beginnings in stand-up comedy to becoming a viral sensation with her famous “Nail Salon” sketch, Anjelah has consistently demonstrated her talent for blending humor with universal experiences. Her […]
Katie Greer is a leading expert in internet safety, with a mission to educate and empower audiences on navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. With over a decade of experience in the field, Katie has become a trusted voice for schools, parents, corporations, and law enforcement agencies. Her engaging and informative presentations have made […]
Shasta Nelson is a pioneering force in social relationship building, providing insights and guidance on how to cultivate meaningful connections in personal and professional life. With over a decade of experience in friendship development and workplace engagement, Nelson is renowned for her ability to help individuals and organizations understand the art and science of connection. […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
