Karl Dickson

Karl Dickson is a well-known figure in the world of rugby, distinguished for his achievements both on the field as a player and off the field as a referee. His early career saw him rise to prominence with Bedford Blues, where he made 107 appearances before moving to Harlequins in 2009. His time at Harlequins was marked by success, most notably contributing to the club’s victory in the 2012 Premiership final against Leicester Tigers. Over his eight-year stint with the club, he became a pivotal figure, sharing the scrum-half responsibilities and showcasing leadership and agility, traits that would later define his future endeavours.

In 2017, Karl transitioned into refereeing, joining the Rugby Football Union’s Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT). His understanding of the game and dedication enabled him to rise quickly through the ranks, with his international refereeing debut coming in 2020 during a friendly between France and Wales. This was followed by his debut in the prestigious Six Nations tournament in 2022, officiating a match between Scotland and France. His refereeing career reached a high point in 2023 when he officiated a quarter-final match at the Rugby World Cup and served as an assistant referee in the final between South Africa and New Zealand.

Beyond his contributions as a player and referee, Karl Dickson is also an esteemed motivational speaker, specialising in themes such as leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and mental resilience. Drawing from his vast experience in rugby, he engages audiences with insights into how to handle pressure, overcome setbacks, and maintain both physical and mental health. His ability to relate lessons learned on the pitch to real-world challenges makes him a sought-after speaker in both sporting and corporate environments.

Karl’s career is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability, traits that he passionately promotes in his motivational talks. From promoting grassroots rugby to developing future players, his involvement in the sport remains profound. His unique journey from player to referee and now speaker positions him as a prominent figure in rugby, whose leadership and teambuilding expertise continues to inspire others.