Sam Warburton, OBE, is a former Welsh international rugby union player known for his significant contributions to the sport. He played primarily as an openside flanker for Cardiff Rugby and earned multiple caps for the Wales national team and the British and Irish Lions.
Warburton began his rugby career at Rhiwbina RFC and Glamorgan Wanderers RFC, progressing through the junior ranks to captain the Wales under-18, under-19, and under-20 teams, leading them to the semi-finals of the World Championships.
Sam made his senior debut for Wales in 2009 and was appointed captain for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, making history as the youngest captain in the tournament's history. He also captained the Lions during their tours to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017, further establishing his leadership credentials. He retired in 2018 as the most capped Wales captain, with 49 caps, a record later surpassed by Alun Wyn Jones.
Following his retirement, Sam transitioned into punditry, providing insights for the BBC and TNT Sports. He has also co-founded the SW7 Academy, a fitness app aimed at helping individuals train like professionals. His expertise in rugby has made him a sought-after keynote speaker, where he shares lessons on leadership, teamwork, and performance. His talks draw on his experiences in elite sports, offering actionable insights for businesses.
Sam's contributions to rugby have been recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the University of South Wales and an OBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List. He is married to Rachel Thomas and is a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur FC. Through his career and subsequent roles, Sam continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Want to book Sam Warburton for your next event?
Email sam.warburton@getapeptalk.com, and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Sam Warburton directly.
What topics does Sam Warburton specialise in?
Sam Warburton specialises in talking about rugby, leadership, performance and more.
What is Sam Warburton's speaking style like?
Sam connects sport and business seamlessly, engaging audiences with his leadership insights. His interactive style and approachability make him a highly recommended speaker for events. AI summary based on real event feedback.
Does Sam Warburton offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Sam Warburton offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
.svg)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
