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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
Karl Dickson

Karl Dickson

London, 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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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Karl Dickson's biography

At a glance

  • 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
How would you cope with being under constant scrutiny and judgement every day at work? How About from thousands of on-lookers? For Rugby World Cup Referee Karl Dickson, this is often the reality. Karl’s job also means he has to be as fit as high-performing athletes to keep up with play. If you want to give your team the tools to take care of their mental and physical health, learn from real-world experience with Karl.
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.

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Trusted by Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Rugby Football Union

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Karl Dickson for my next event?

What is Karl Dickson's speaking style like?

Karl Dickson draws on first-hand experience from elite-level refereeing and professional playing to illustrate principles around communication, decision-making, and performance under pressure, grounding each point in specific match scenarios from his career.

What topics does Karl Dickson specialise in?

Karl Dickson's sessions cover mental and physical health in high-performance environments, communication under pressure, and sustaining performance when decisions carry high stakes. He refereed the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between Wales and Argentina and served as assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand, having previously played for England and Harlequins, where he was part of the 2012 Premiership-winning side.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

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

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

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.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.