After making his England debut in 1991, Martin became a stalwart performer for his national side, taking part of the 1992 Five Nations as well as being involved in the 1993 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Forming part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup squad, he would partner future England World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson 18 times for his country and were often seen as the greatest forward pairing of the time.
Unfortunately, Martin’s professional career would be cut short, as he suffered a neck injury in 1998 that forced him into early retirement. Since retirement, he has worked as a journalist, an after-dinner speaker and has appeared in all of the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, as Robbie Coltrane’s body and stunt double.
In his broadcasting career he has presented the NFL and World’s Strongest Man coverage on Channel Five and worked as a rugby correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live. He has also been involved as a presenter in ITV’s coverage of the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups as well as presenting ITV’s Guinness Premiership highlights.
Since March 2012 he now co-presents Crimewatch and works on BT Sport as an Aviva Premiership pundit. A wonderful after dinner speaker, Martin is a consummate professional in front of a large audience thanks to his extensive work as a TV presenter. Happy to interact with the audience, he ensures listeners feel part of his story whilst guaranteeing everyone enjoys themselves with the use of well-judged wit and humour. Similarly, he is also an accomplished event host, overseeing an event or function to make sure everything runs to plan in a polished and faultless demeanour.
