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A true powerhouse of athleticism, Gareth Thomas is one of Wales’ most capped rugby union players, with a staggering 100 appearances and 200 points to his name. He is a man of many positions, having thrived as a fullback, wing and centre throughout his career, reflecting Gareth’s versatility and skill. Off the pitch, he came out as gay in 2009, marking the start of Gareth’s LGBT+ advocacy. He has since become an inspiring diversity speaker, booked for virtual events where he opens his audience’s eyes to the power of inclusion.
Gareth burst onto the international stage in 1995, quickly equalling the team’s record of four tries in a single match. Earning hat-trick after hat-trick, Gareth’s accurate speed left his opponents struggling to keep up, proven when he scored the longest interception try ever witnessed at Arms Park, in 1996. His speeches reveal the secrets of such formidable strength and skill, to arm audiences with a winning mindset.
In 2009, Gareth came out publicly as gay. The brave decision made him the first openly homosexual rugby union player in the UK. Gareth spearheaded the well overdue shift in perception, opening the door for other athletes to live their true selves and increase LGBT+ representation in sport. He continues to pave the way for future gay athletes, by appearing at Pride events and virtual inclusion workshops.
Aside from his national appearances, Gareth has also played for several senior teams, including Cardiff RFC. Starting with Bridgend in 1994, he made 69 appearances before moving to Cardiff in 1997, where he earned 220 points. Gareth later played for Toulouse until 2007, when he transferred to Cardiff Blues, the last team before his retirement in 2010. Having sustained such peak performance across a decade of intense playing, Gareth’s virtual speeches reveal the secrets of mental resilience and marginal gains.
The information of Gareth Thomas was taken from Gareth’s keynote speaker agent.
Gareth Thomas is regularly booked to engage audiences at virtual events, read their latest feedback below:
“The speech from Gareth went fantastically well and he responded to the questions brilliantly and there were plenty. He is such a lovely and warm person considering his life success and stardom. It was a real pleasure to be able to meet him. Thank you for all your assistance with arranging Gareth’s attendance, it made our conference really special and made all the stress in the preparation worth it.”
“It really was an amazing event, you guys and the BRG are amazing, impressive and courageous. Both Kellie and Gareth were so open and honest, we are really privileged to have had them visit the office and share. Thank you so much.”
“The event was a resounding success and Gareth Thomas was absolutely amazing. Professional, accommodating, attention to detail and incredible fun. It is by far the best event that I have hosted so far. Gareth did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. All my guests are still raving about the event this morning.”
The event was really well received, with lots of positive comments from colleagues who attended. As I said in my voicemail, Gareth is truly inspirational – so humble and honest. His story was incredibly moving and we really enjoyed being able to speak to him today. We would like to say a big thank you again!
“He was AMAZING!!! So emotional – we had a few tears from the team and audience. Loads of really amazing feedback.”
“I wanted to touch base personally to say how amazing I thought Gareth was today, and how well received he was by all our staff. Please let him know how much everyone enjoyed the session. He was so laid back, open, honest, eloquent, considered, enthusiastic and funny, and it was massively appreciated that he cared to tailor his talk to resonate with our audience. We have had soooooo much feedback immediately from staff saying how much his presentation, and answers to our questions, have made them think differently about sexuality, and in particular, how non-LGBT people have a huge role to play in ensuring we as a company, and a society, evolve to create true equality for LGBT people. Plus from what I can tell… he made a significant proportion of the audience cry too, myself included! It was my first time hosting an event of this sort with a high profile person (well, with anyone to be fair), and he made me feel really at ease/comfortable too, demonstrating patience and good humour whilst we experienced a few technical issues at the beginning – overall, far more than I could have ever hoped for from someone of his profile, or who has achieved what he has done in his life. […] He should be so proud that telling his story the way he does can have such a resonating and positive impact on those who hear it.”
“It was great! Very well received and we got some great feedback… a small selection of comments are below. ‘Very honest and an inspiration’, ‘What an incredible man’, ‘Gareth, this is the second time I have heard you speak. Inspirational’, ‘As an English rugby fan I hated seeing you on the field, as a Lions fan, I loved seeing you on the field. As a human being, you have truly humbled me today. Thank you’, ‘A legend on and off the field. Thanks, Gareth’, ‘Always been impressed with Gareth as a rugby player but this takes it all to a completely new level’ and ‘We should surround ourselves with more Gareths!’. “
The Online Speakers Agency is a bureau specialising in virtual speakers. Founded in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have booked leading experts on diversity, finance, teamwork and more for online events hosted across the globe.
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