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.
Chris Folayan is a renowned and award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder, celebrated for his exceptional ability to start and scale multi-million-dollar global companies. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chris has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for investing, raising substantial capital, and building thriving businesses from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey began at the […]
Shep Hyken is an Award-winning Keynote Speaker and World-Renowned Keynote Speaker in Customer Service & Customer Experience. Shep has worked with the world’s best brands to help them build a culture centered around the customer. His presentations consistently get rave reviews for being engaging and informative. The National Speakers Association inducted Shep into it’s Hall […]
Ken Blanchard is a luminary in the field of leadership and management, known globally for his profound impact on the way organizations operate. With over four decades of experience, Ken has dedicated his career to helping leaders at all levels achieve greatness through effective leadership principles. His approachable style and compelling storytelling have made him […]
Jasmine Star helps entrepreneurs build a brand and market it on social media. After quitting law school, she picked up a camera, built an internationally recognized business, and teaches others how to do the same. In addition to chasing wild dreams, Jasmine works with her husband and grumpy dog, and you’ll likely find her walking […]
Annie Duke loves to dive deep into decision making under uncertainty. Her latest obsession is on the topic of quitting. In particular, she is on a mission to rehabilitate the term and get people to be proud of walking away from things. Annie is an author, speaker, and consultant in the decision-making space, as well […]
Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]
At Speakers Inc, we are honored to present Dan Cnossen, a remarkable individual whose journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, Dan captivates audiences with his gripping narrative of overcoming life-altering challenges and emerging as a decorated Paralympic athlete, a distinguished Navy SEAL, and a beacon of hope for […]
DJ Poun is a highly sought-after mobile DJ and event host, celebrated for his impeccable music curation and charismatic stage presence. Trusted by some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Nike, Mazda, and Dell, DJ Poun has spent over a decade perfecting the art of creating memorable experiences at conferences, corporate gatherings, and exclusive […]
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
