Charlie Hodgson is a former professional rugby player and high-performance speaker who brings a rare blend of elite sporting experience, leadership insight, and emotional intelligence to every stage. Known for his calm authority and reflective mindset, Charlie speaks with honesty and relatability, drawing on over a decade at the top of English rugby to help individuals and organisations build resilience, handle pressure, and perform at their best. As a speaker, he engages with audiences on a human level, sharing not just the triumphs, but the personal challenges and mindset shifts that shaped his journey from professional athlete to performance mentor.
Charlie’s rugby career began in Yorkshire before he rose to prominence at Sale Sharks, where he became a standout fly-half thanks to his precision kicking and tactical intelligence. His debut for England in 2001 was historic – scoring 44 points against Romania, still the record for the most points scored by an England player in a single match. Despite fierce competition for the No.10 shirt and multiple injuries, Charlie amassed 38 England caps and was selected for the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour. His domestic achievements include leading Sale to their first Premiership title in 2006, and later joining Saracens, where he added two more Premiership titles and a European Champions Cup to his name.
Since retiring in 2016, Charlie has carved a meaningful path off the pitch, founding Rugby Buddy, a coaching and mentoring platform that supports young athletes with the psychological demands of professional sport. He works closely with businesses, sports teams, and individuals, offering insights into performance under pressure, the power of reflection, and the importance of mental wellbeing. His sessions are built not around ego, but experience – a quiet authority earned through navigating both the high and low moments of a high-performance career. His openness about the personal challenges he faced throughout his playing days has resonated widely with audiences looking to understand the mental side of success.
Charlie is hired because he speaks from lived experience, with a humility and clarity that makes high performance feel both accessible and human. Whether working with leaders, athletes, or teams, he helps people understand what it truly takes to sustain excellence – not just on the field, but in life.
