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Available to book

Rugby champion & inclusion advocate

Ben Cohen

Strengthen workplace culture with Ben Cohen MBE, Rugby World Cup champion and social impact leader. Ben shares lessons on inclusion, resilience, and leadership drawn from elite sport and advocacy. Founder of the StandUp Foundation with expertise trusted by Nike, Jaguar, and O2.

Trusted by Nike, Jaguar, O2

Ben Cohen, Speaker | Rugby Legend & Inclusion Advocate
Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ben Cohen's biography

At a glance

  • Rugby World Cup winner and record try-scorer
  • Founder of the StandUp Foundation against bullying and discrimination
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion campaigner and social impact leader
Ben Cohen MBE is a former England rugby international and founder of the StandUp Foundation, the world's first anti-bullying charity focused on equality and inclusion. Ben earned over 50 caps for England and remains the joint second-highest try scorer in the team's history. He played a central role in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory and represented the British and Irish Lions. He has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins, and The Real Full Monty, whilst collaborating with brands including Nike, Jaguar, and O2. Following his retirement from professional sport, Ben shifted his focus towards social impact and advocacy. He founded The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation and works closely with charities including Orchid, BBC Children in Need, and Sports Relief. Diagnosed as clinically deaf himself, Ben supports initiatives promoting accessibility in sport for deaf and hard of hearing people. Ben’s experience competing at the highest level of international sport, alongside his work challenging bullying and discrimination, gives him a grounded perspective on resilience, identity, and leadership under pressure. He draws on his personal journey to explore what it means to perform in demanding environments, and how cultures built on respect, equality, and empathy support both individual wellbeing and collective success. His work spans sport, education, business, and community settings. Audiences gain insight into building stronger, more supportive teams, navigating adversity with honesty, and fostering inclusive environments where people feel valued and heard. Ben shares practical reflections on handling difficult conversations, managing pressure, and encouraging accountability, helping organisations create cultures that promote trust, resilience, and long-term engagement. Book Ben Cohen to inspire your audience with real-world lessons on teamwork, resilience, and creating positive change through leadership and action.

Ben's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Ben

Ben Cohen MBE delivers powerful insights on high-performance teamwork and inclusive leadership, drawing from his World Cup-winning rugby career and pioneering anti-bullying advocacy. His frameworks help organisations build resilient cultures where teams thrive under pressure whilst fostering genuine respect and accountability. Secure Ben Cohen now to transform your event with authentic leadership lessons that create lasting positive impact.

Check Ben's availability

Trusted by Nike, Jaguar, O2

Testimonials

From my point of view, Ben was fantastic – he was prompt, polite and a great speaker.

Laura

McDonald Butler

Wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help and information last week, the event was a great success! I look forward to working together again in the future!

Red Consultancy

Ben Cohen was easy to work with. Well prepared and happy to be flexible with the brief. Delivered what we wished for and more.

Tesco Bank

Featured Projects

Ben Cohen - Carry Me Home book cover
Ben Cohen - Celebrity SAS TV cover
Ben Cohen - Unbreakable: England 2003 documentary cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ben Cohen for my next event?

What is Ben Cohen's speaking style like?

Ben Cohen draws on his career as a Rugby World Cup winner and his experience founding an anti-bullying charity to deliver talks structured around personal narrative, moving from high-performance sport into social advocacy and inclusion work.

What topics does Ben Cohen specialise in?

Ben Cohen MBE speaks on resilience and performing under pressure, anti-bullying and inclusion, and building team cultures grounded in respect and accountability. He earned over 50 caps for England, was part of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, and founded the StandUp Foundation, the world's first anti-bullying charity focused on equality and inclusion.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.