Availability dot

Avalaible to book

Rugby referee & leadership speaker

Karl Dickson

Transform rugby leadership with Karl Dickson, speaker and elite rugby referee. Karl works with organisations to develop high-performance mindsets and decision-making excellence, delivering World Cup-level expertise as both former professional player and international match official.

Trusted by Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Rugby Football Union

Karl Dickson

Speaker Biography

Key topics about

  • Professional Rugby Union referee, officiated 2023 RWC quarter-final and final
  • Former England and Harlequins rugby player, key in 2012 Premiership win
  • Transitioned to refereeing, joining RFU's Professional Game Match Officials Team
Karl Dickson is a globally acclaimed figure in rugby, celebrated for his roles as a professional Rugby Union referee and a former England and Harlequins player. His illustrious refereeing career reached new pinnacles during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he officiated the quarter-final between Wales and Argentina and served as the assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand. During his time with Harlequins, Karl contributed significantly to the team's success. Notably, he shared the scrum half responsibilities with Danny Care and was pivotal in the 2012 Premiership final victory over Leicester Tigers. In 2017, Karl transitioned into a new chapter - his affiliation with the Rugby Football Union's Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT). Embracing the challenges of his new role, Karl's dedication and hard work earned him admiration and respect from players and fans alike. Karl's unique perspective as a player and referee affords him an unparalleled understanding of rugby. This dual insight has seen him become a highly respected figure in the community. His journey reached a pinnacle in 2023 when he achieved every referee's aspiration – officiating in a Rugby World Cup.

Karl's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

How To Take Better Care Of Your Mental And Physical Health
Mastering The Art Of Clear Communication Under Pressure
When you’re refereeing in the Rugby World Cup there isn’t much margin for error when it comes to communication. And in 2023, Karl Dickson was doing just that. He officiated the quarter-final between Wales and Argentina and served as the assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand. During these times and throughout his whole career, clear, concise and consistent communication has been a must for Karl. So, if you’re looking to teach your team about effective communication, get Karl’s tried and tested methods and learn how he does it alongside the immense pressure too.
How To Keep High Performance Under High Pressure
Having managed two high-performing teams and been part of a high-performing refereeing team, Karl Dickson knows a thing or two about getting the best out of yourself and others. And when the smallest of decisions can make the difference between a win or a loss, it’s important your people can perform under pressure too. So, who better to learn from than someone whose day job it is to make split-second decisions in front of thousands (sometimes millions) of people? It Has to be Karl.
Building Your Confidence For Better Decision-Making
As a World Cup rugby referee, being confident in his convictions is the only way Karl Dickson can be respected in his game. He stands by his decisions but is confident enough to review and reflect when he's got it wrong. Help your team find the balance between knowing when to stick and when to twist with the help of Karl’s expert guidance and real-world experience on the rugby pitch.

Why We Recommend Booking Karl

Karl's unique journey from a professional player to a top-tier international referee offers invaluable insights into leadership, teamwork, and adapting to change. His firsthand experiences at the pinnacle of rugby, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup, provide inspiring stories that can motivate and guide teams and businesses towards excellence. Booking Karl as a speaker will not only enlighten your team with a deep understanding of high-performance cultures but also equip them with strategies to thrive in competitive environments.

Check Karl's availability

Trusted by Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Rugby Football Union

frequently asked questions

Got Questions About Booking a Speaker?

What topics does Karl Dickson specialise in?
Karl Dickson specialises in discussing rugby, refereeing, professional sports and more.
What is Karl Dickson's speaking style like?
Karl delivers insightful officiating with a unique player perspective, earning respect for his dedication and understanding of rugby. His experience enhances the game, making him a highly regarded figure in the sport.
Does Karl Dickson offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Karl Dickson offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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. 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.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

Trusted by 5k+ clients

Book a Speaker
Who Nails It

Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.

Waves on cta form
Waves on cta form