Former Wales Head Coach who led team to Number 1 in the world, British & Irish Lions Head Coach, New Zealand Rugby Player & Named Coach of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards
Warren Gatland’s Biography:
Warren Gatland is one of the most successful rugby union coaches of the modern era, renowned for transforming Wales into a dominant force on the international stage. During his tenure as head coach, he guided Wales to the number one position in the world rankings and secured three Six Nations Championships, all of which included Grand Slam victories. He also enjoyed significant success as head coach of the British & Irish Lions, leading multiple international tours. Warren’s exceptional leadership, team-building expertise and ability to create winning cultures have made him a highly sought-after speaker on leadership, performance, resilience and achieving sustained success.
Warren began his rugby journey in New Zealand, making his debut for Waikato in 1986. Over the course of his playing career, he made 140 appearances for the province and became one of Waikato’s longest-serving players. He also represented New Zealand at an international level before transitioning into coaching. His coaching career began in 1989 as player-coach for Taupiri. He later held coaching roles with Galwegians RFC, Thames Valley, Connacht and Ireland before becoming Director of Rugby at London Wasps in 2002. Under his leadership, Wasps won three Premiership titles, establishing him as one of rugby’s leading coaches.
Throughout his career, Warren has received numerous accolades for his contribution to rugby. In 2013, he was named Coach of the Year at both the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and the UK Coaching Awards. He was appointed an OBE in 2014 for services to rugby and was promoted to CBE in 2020 for services to rugby in Wales. In 2019, he published his autobiography, ‘Pride and Passion’, which was shortlisted for Rugby Book of the Year at the 2020 Telegraph Sports Book Awards.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Warren is respected for his ability to develop high-performance environments and inspire individuals to maximise their potential. His experience leading elite athletes through periods of pressure, change and expectation provides valuable lessons for organisations seeking to improve leadership, culture and long-term success. Following his departure as Wales head coach in 2025, Warren remains one of rugby’s most influential figures and an authoritative voice on leadership and performance.
Why Hire Warren Gatland?
Warren Gatland delivers powerful insights drawn from decades at the highest level of international sport. Having led Wales, the British & Irish Lions and several championship-winning clubs, he shares practical lessons on leadership, resilience, team culture and managing pressure. Audiences benefit from first-hand stories of building world-class teams, overcoming setbacks and sustaining success in demanding environments. His engaging presentations resonate with business leaders, sports professionals and organisations looking to develop high-performing teams, making him a compelling and inspirational keynote speaker for a wide range of events.
Warren Gatland‘s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Warren Gatland’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Departed his role as head coach of Wales after one of the most successful coaching tenures in Welsh rugby history.
- 2020 – Promoted to CBE for services to rugby in Wales and became head coach of the Chiefs in New Zealand.
- 2019 – Published his autobiography ‘Pride and Passion’ and led Wales to a third Grand Slam Six Nations title.
- 2019 – Honoured with Gatland’s Gate at Principality Stadium following Wales’ Rugby World Cup semi-final appearance.
- 2014 – Appointed OBE for services to rugby in recognition of his impact on the sport.
- 2013 – Won BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year and UK Coaching Awards Coach of the Year.
- 2012 – Guided Wales to their second Grand Slam Six Nations Championship under his leadership.
- 2009 – Began his successful tenure as head coach of the British & Irish Lions.
- 2008 – Led Wales to their first Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam of his coaching era.
- 2007 – Appointed head coach of Wales, beginning a transformative period for Welsh rugby.
Videos
Warren Gatland’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Warren Gatland delivered an outstanding keynote that perfectly combined leadership insight, high-performance strategies and engaging personal stories from the world of elite sport. His experiences coaching Wales and the British & Irish Lions provided powerful lessons on resilience, teamwork and managing pressure at the highest level. Warren connected effortlessly with the audience, offering practical takeaways that were relevant far beyond rugby. Professional, inspiring and highly engaging, he left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. We would highly recommend Warren for any organisation seeking a world-class speaker.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Warren Gatland’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Management
- Coaching
- Peak Performance
- Strategy & Tactics
- Resilience & Longevity
- Dealing with Adversity
- Leadership & Captaincy
- Maximising Success
- Drive & Determination
How Much Does Warren Gatland Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Warren Gatland?
Warren Gatland’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.