Ugo Monye

Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby star Ugo Monye made 237 appearances for Harlequins and scored one of the most iconic tries in Lions history during the 2009 South Africa tour. Now a prominent broadcaster on TNT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live, team captain on A Question of Sport, and chair of the RFU's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, Ugo brings his elite sporting experience and advocacy work to audiences seeking practical insights on teamwork, overcoming adversity, and fostering inclusive cultures that drive genuine organisational success.

High-performing teams and organisations understand that sustainable success requires more than talent alone. It demands resilience, adaptability, and the courage to challenge outdated systems. Ugo Monye is a former England international rugby player, broadcaster, and diversity advocate who brings these principles to life through his unique journey from elite sport to media and social impact. His ability to translate lessons from the pitch into practical strategies for leadership, teamwork, and cultural change makes him a compelling voice for organisations navigating transformation.

Ugo's credentials are rooted in dedication and achievement. A one-club legend, he made 237 appearances for Harlequins between 2002 and 2015, scoring 87 tries and securing a Premiership title. His performances earned him his England debut in 2008, and he became a key figure in the 2009 Six Nations squad before being selected for the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa. His length-of-the-field try in the final Test remains one of the most iconic moments in Lions history. Since retiring, Ugo has built a prominent broadcasting career, co-hosting BBC Radio 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly podcast and featuring regularly on TNT Sport. His media presence expanded further when he became a team captain on BBC's A Question of Sport in 2021 and competed on Strictly Come Dancing the same year. Beyond broadcasting, Ugo chairs the Rugby Football Union's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group, serves as a trustee for the Women's Sport Trust and Restart, and was appointed independent Co-Chair of the Government's Sport Taskforce in 2023. He also writes for The Guardian, establishing himself as one of rugby's most trusted and sought-after voices.

Ugo's speaking engagements offer audiences far more than entertaining anecdotes from the dressing room. He challenges teams to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, drawing on his own willingness to step into unfamiliar territory, whether on the rugby field or as a beginner trying something entirely new. His insights into diversity, inclusion, and the future of women's sport equip leaders with actionable strategies to build fairer, more innovative cultures. Whether hosting high-profile events such as the 2026 ESA Awards, delivering keynotes, or participating in Q&A sessions, Ugo connects authenticity with impact, leaving audiences motivated to lead with purpose, adapt with confidence, and create environments where everyone can thrive.