Francois Pienaar

Fee Band

  • Conference Speakers£10k to £25k
  • Overcoming Adversity, Peak Performance, Transformational Leadership

Francois Pienaar’s defining moment came as he led the Springboks to World Cup glory, instilling immense national pride. The story was later told in the Hollywood movie Invictus, with Matt Damon portraying his role in attempting to unite the post- apartheid nation through sport. In presentations the ex-Saracens player and coach talks about his enormous respect for Nelson Mandela, and how unwavering belief can often make the difference between success and failure.


Biography

Francois Pienaar reached the highest peak in rugby union when he captained his country, South Africa, to victory on home turf in the 1995 World Cup, and was presented the Webb Ellis Trophy by President Nelson Mandela. In winning rugby’s ultimate prize, Francois helped put South Africa well and truly back on the sporting map and he will be remembered for years to come as the face of South African Rugby.

Francois was appointed captain on his first international appearance, against France in 1993, and is now the most capped South African captain in history. Beyond his playing talents, Francois’ deft management skills and inspirational leadership have helped him achieve God-like status in a country where rugby is a religion. In 1996, he joined the British club Saracens, first as a player, before taking over as the team’s Director of Coaching four years later.

South Africa’s passage from isolation to acclamation on the world rugby stage has seen Francois emerge as an eloquent spokesman for sport, often quoted on a wide range of issues, from rugby to business and from journalism to politics. A trained lawyer, he has won numerous honours for his services to South African and British rugby, including World Rugby Captain of the Year and International Rugby Player of the Year. He receives frequent offers to speak and play rugby in many countries.

Matt Damon starred as Pienaar in the film Invictus, revealing the relationship with Mandela as they set out to unite a post-apartheid nation through sport.

Contact

We’re on hand to help you find the perfect speaker, presenter or performer for your events. Call or email our London office and use our agents' experience to expertly match you with the right person for your programme!


From time to time we send out emails announcing new speakers and free tickets to our showcase events including Speakers Breakfasts and the JLA Real Variety Show. Please tick the box below if you would like to receive these emails.

Don't miss anything!

We will never share the data you submit here with a third party. Information is stored in a database in order to service your enquiry, but is deleted once it is no longer required. You may request to have this data removed at any time.

JLA Presents


Event - 30/04/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Understanding AI Now

Speakers
Priya Lakhani and Anne-Marie Imafidon

We were joined at 87 Barts Close by three brilliant speakers on a panel that delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Over the hour our panellists de-mystified AI, speaking about AI’s immense promise for enhancing our lives, alongside the apprehension it has generated regarding job security, privacy infringement, and ethical considerations.

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

WATCH

Event - 06/02/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day

Speakers
Samira Ahmed, Eniola Aluko, Julia Gillard, and Alex Mahon

We were joined by four fantastic speakers to look ahead at International Women’s Day. With the theme of this year’s event being #InspireInclusion, we were lucky enough to hear from four women who have each blazed a trail in their respective fields: CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon; the former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of Kings’ Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, Julia Gillard; one of the leading voices in football, Eniola Aluko MBE; and broadcaster and journalist, Samira Ahmed.

Location

Bishopsgate Institute, London

WATCH