Jason Robinson

Former Captain of the English Rugby Team & First Black British Man to Captain a World Cup Winning Rugby Team

  • Impeccable track record of scoring an impressive 171 tries in 281 Rugby League games
  • Appointed MBE and OBE
  • Best known for scoring England’s only try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final
  • Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards
  • Brand Ambassador for Vodafone Business
  • Director of JR Sports Stars

Discover Jason Robinson’s biography of published work below.

Finding My Feet
Finding My Feet

When Jason Robinson is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

High Performance Teams
Inclusive Leadership
Mental Health & Resilience
Social Mobility & Inclusion

Jason Robinson is widely regarded as a legendary sportsman, celebrated for his exceptional talent in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. As the first Black British man to captain the England Rugby Team, his influence extends far beyond the pitch. Jason’s career began at Wigan, where he was a crucial player in their victories, securing multiple titles including a Super League title and three Challenge Cup titles. His talent was undeniable, scoring an impressive 171 tries in 281 Rugby League games, and he continued to excel in Rugby Union, playing for Bath, Sale Sharks, and the England National Team. His leadership and skill were further recognised when he was appointed MBE and OBE.

Having retired from professional sports, Jason has channelled his experiences into inspiring others through his work with JR Talks and JR Sports Stars. Growing up in a poor part of Leeds, he overcame significant adversity, including domestic abuse and being the only Black member of his family. These experiences have made him a powerful advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jason’s story is one of resilience and determination, as he navigated a path to success in a sport dominated by those from privileged backgrounds, all while wearing hand-me-down clothes and shoes. His journey underscores the importance of mental resilience and overcoming adversity.

Jason’s impact as a keynote speaker is profound, addressing themes of social mobility, racial equality, and mental health. He shares his personal journey, from the struggles of his youth to the heights of his rugby career, including scoring England’s only try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. His candid discussions about his lowest points, including experiencing suicidal thoughts despite his professional success, resonate deeply with audiences. Jason’s dedication to these issues has earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards and recognition as one of the world’s best social mobility speakers.

In addition to his speaking engagements, Jason remains active in various roles, such as Brand Ambassador for Vodafone Business and CamperKing, Non-Executive Director of Sale Sharks Rugby Club, and Director of JR Sports Stars. His work is driven by a commitment to inspire and support others in achieving their life goals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Jason Robinson stands as a passionate and powerful advocate for equality, mental resilience, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. If you seek a speaker who embodies these values and can inspire through personal and professional experiences, Jason Robinson is the ideal choice.

Official Testimonials

Jason Robinson is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:

“Thanks to Jason for his keynote speech yesterday!  He was amazing, such an inspirational speaker, who took the whole audience on a journey.  He really set the tone and intention for our event and drove home the message about how we can all support young people to be their best!”

Rachel, Strategic Lead, South London Partnership Careers Hub

“Jason was fantastic, his story and speech was so captivating, and it really had everyone so engaged and inspired. We had really good feedback from the guests and the client. He stuck around and sat with some teams when they was doing their breakout sessions which I thought was great of him to do”

Paighton, Make Events

“Yesterdays event went really well. Please convey our thanks to Jason for being willing to step in on such short notice, delivering a powerful keynote message and finally just being an incredibly nice guy!”

Bank ABC

“The event was really great, it has been our most engaged with D&I event so far. We had 100 colleagues in person and over 440 online. Jason’ talk went down extremely well and seemed to really resonate with our colleagues here. I’ve had colleagues go out of their way to come up to the team and thank us for putting it on. I’d like to thank him again for such an open and honest talk about mental health, and how that intersects with many different aspects of his life.”

Neil, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Clyde & Co LLP

“Jason was fantastic! His journey truly demonstrated the power of ‘breaking barriers,’ overcoming societal expectations, and pushing past limits. Jason resonated with our audience from different generations, especially younger attendees who really looked up to him. He kept everyone very engaged!”

Ajay, Gambit Partners

“Jason went down an absolute storm, and his talk was so inspiring. We got so many amazing comments for him in the chat that I wanted to share them all, but I can’t copy them across (there are about 100!):

‘WOW – so inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Too many people don’t feel they can speak up about their mental health, concerns, or mental load. Consistently raising awareness pushes this forward and helps people get the support and focus they really need. No one ever needs to feel they are on their own.’

‘Thank you, Jason! I spent hours and hours after school side-stepping between cones pretending to be you. I’m sure that was replicated across the country and the world by millions. I hope you recognise how many people you have inspired!’

‘I’m Scottish and have no interest in rugby (sorry), but that didn’t stop me attending – and I’m glad I did. Eye-opening and inspirational.’

‘So inspiring, thank you. I’m going to buy your autobiography to give to my son-in-law, who is also a rugby player. Thank you so much for sharing your life story with us.’

‘So inspirational, thank you for sharing. I don’t think it’s about resilience; we use this word so much and people think they have to be resilient. You have shown strength, empathy, and motivation, and continually develop and look after yourself – and in doing so have looked after others. I know nothing about rugby, but it’s clear you know a lot about people. You put being the best kind of person, and the best version of yourself, first. We need you in schools.’

‘Coming from a Romanian background with four big brothers and a dad who never “believed” in mental illness, it’s so inspiring to see people like Jason be open and honest about what they’ve been through, no matter their background.’

‘Massive respect for opening up about your mental health and self-harm. It’s really influential when prominent men, especially those in “typically” masculine roles, do so. Opening up really can open people’s eyes to what they themselves may experience yet struggle to articulate or name. It also shows that mental health conditions show no discrimination in who they can impact – and the more we open up, the more others may do so around us.’

‘I used to watch you at Central Park for many years – inspirational rugby player! And thank you for being an ambassador for Joining Jack (AJ’s cousin).’”

Nicky, Employee Wellbeing Manager, AXA UK

To enquire about Jason Robinson for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@inspirational-leadership-speakers.com or call a booking agent on 0203 0070 320.