James Haskell

James Haskell is one of Britain’s most recognisable voices on high performance, mindset, and leadership. A former international rugby player with 77 caps for England and a member of the British & Irish Lions 2017 tour, James has translated his world-class sporting career into a dynamic portfolio as a speaker, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. His ability to combine humour with hard-won lessons on discipline, teamwork, and resilience makes him a standout presence at business conferences and leadership events worldwide.

James’ rugby journey began at London Wasps, where he made his professional debut at just 17. His career took him around the world, from Stade Français in Paris to the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and the Highlanders in New Zealand, exposing him to diverse sporting cultures and leadership styles. Known for his relentless work ethic and adaptability, he became a cornerstone of the England squad, representing his country across two Rugby World Cups and helping secure the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam. His professionalism and performance under pressure made him one of the most respected back-row players of his generation.

After retiring from rugby in 2019, James channelled his energy into a successful media and business career. He is the co-host of ‘The Good, The Bad & The Rugby’, the world’s biggest rugby podcast, alongside Mike Tindall and Alex Payne. The show reaches millions across digital platforms and live theatre tours, blending insight, humour, and storytelling. Beyond broadcasting, James is a bestselling author, with titles including ‘What A Flanker’, ‘Ruck Me’, and ‘Approach Without Caution’, all exploring themes of drive, identity, and personal growth. He has also established himself as a DJ and music producer, performing at global events and festivals, showing that high performance can extend far beyond the sporting arena.

As a keynote speaker, James draws on lessons from elite sport, business, and media to help audiences cultivate a high-performance mindset. His talks explore leadership under pressure, resilience, motivation, and sustaining excellence across changing environments. With characteristic honesty and humour, he connects with teams and leaders seeking practical tools to improve performance and culture. Whether speaking to global corporations or start-ups, James challenges audiences to raise their standards, embrace adversity, and pursue success with purpose and accountability.