Former Rugby Union player, Ben Woods, had a truly influential career playing for the likes of the Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers. Since his retirement, Ben has become a prominent motivational speaker, specialising in high-performance teams, leadership and overcoming adversity, inspired by his experiences on the pitch. Whether he is telling a hilarious anecdote or heartwarming personal story, Ben's audience are always on the edge of their seat.
Ben started playing for amateur teams, including Durham City 2nd XV, Cambridge University R.U.F.C., The Owls, The Titans RFC, sparking his love for the sport. It was at this stage of his life that Ben formed a foundation of rugby techniques and personal skills, including remaining calm under pressure, which he shares in his public speeches. In 2003, Ben started his professional career playing for the Newcastle Falcons. While with the club, he made 64 appearances and earned 30 points, before moving to the Leicester Tigers in 2008. Over the course of four years, Ben made 70 appearances, scored 25 points and even played at the 2009 Scotland Heineken Cup final as the team's captain.
During this period, from 2006 to 2012, Ben also played for the England Saxons. Competing on a national level, the team is the second men's national Rugby Union team for England. Notable achievements in Ben's career include starting in all three games of the 2009 Churchill Cup and captaining the Leicester Tigers through their win over the Harlequins at the LV Cup.
Ben has since gone on to be a prominent and highly respected rugby coach, as well as the Director of Rugby for Tynedale RFC. His work on and off the pitch has shaped Ben into the speaker he is today, capable of inspiring a more positive workplace culture through workshops and Q&As. While working at a national and international level, Ben has honed his skills in leadership and teamwork, topics which he discusses as a speaker. Charismatic and passionate, audiences are left inspired by Ben's expertise.
