Gareth Thomas is one of the most iconic and respected figures in world rugby. He was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and captained Wales in 2005 to the first grand slam in 27 years. Since retiring in 2011, Gareth has become a regular analyst for ITV Sport... Read more
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Gareth Thomas is one of the most iconic and respected figures in world rugby. He was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and captained Wales in 2005 to the first grand slam in 27 years. Since retiring in 2011, Gareth has become a regular analyst for ITV Sport and has worked on Rugby World Cups as well as numerous RBS 6 Nations coverage. Thomas has also become a household name, entertaining audiences on national TV and raising awareness around key issues, in particular LGBTQ+ equality, mental health and tackling stigma around HIV.
Thomas shot on to the professional rugby scene in 1994, aged 20, playing for his hometown, Bridgend. His 1995 hat-trick debut for Wales then marked the beginning of an exceptional international career, where he went on to captain the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and be named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year in recognition of his unique standing.
In 2009, Gareth famously became the first high profile sportsman in the world to come out as gay whilst still playing. Whilst he never downplays the significance of this achievement, he hopes to see a day when it is no longer an issue in the game at all. Since this iconic revelation, Gareth has continued to use his platform to champion issues close to him, sharing his own experiences with mental health in his autobiography Proud.
Gareth is also known by the nickname Alfie, owing to his resemblance to a cartoon character called Alf. In 2011, world famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin launched an ‘Alfie’ shoe range inspired by the legendary sportsman. Not adverse to a bit of fun, in 2012 Gareth famously appeared in Celebrity Big Brother where he finished a credible third, as well as ITV’s Dancing on Ice and Channel 4’s The Jump in 2017.
More recently, in 2019, Gareth bravely told the world he was living with HIV. He timed the announcement to coincide with his taking part in an Ironman triathlon to demonstrate that HIV didn’t weaken him, he was in control. His BBC documentary, Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me, aired shortly afterwards and he has since launched a Tackle HIV campaign to help others with prejudice surrounding HIV.
Gareth wrote an award winning book Proud in 2014 charting his rollercoaster journey to becoming the most prominent athlete to come out as a gay man, and in 2021 he has written about his experience of the media and stigma in Stronger, supporting charities such as the Terrence Higgins Trust and setting up a Tackle HIV initiative to continue to break down stigma around HIV.
Gareth Thomas is now a regular speaker on the corporate circuit, addressing LGBTQ+ issues and HIV awareness with the same vigour and enthusiasm with which he approached his playing career. He provides important insight into topics such as motivation, diversity and the importance of teamwork, and delivers his unique story through a very moving and engaging talk to companies and organisations all over the country.
Aside from his work as a beloved commentator and campaigner, Gareth enjoys walking the dog and spending lots of time with his husband.
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You can book Gareth Thomas through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Gareth's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Gareth Thomas's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Gareth tailored to your event.
Gareth Thomas speaks on Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, LGBTQ, Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Gareth to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Gareth Thomas for events worldwide, subject to Gareth's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Gareth Thomas is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Gareth can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Gareth Thomas on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Gareth can offer.
Gareth Thomas delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Gareth Thomas's areas of expertise include Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, LGBTQ, Motivation. To get a clear sense of Gareth's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Gareth Thomas can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation, LGBTQ, Motivation is relevant. Details of Gareth's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Gareth Thomas is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Gareth Thomas, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Gareth's current availability for your dates.