Leading on and off the Field: The Impact of Sarah Hunter, Maggie Alphonsi, and Philippa Tuttiett

Women’s rugby has come a long way in recent years, thanks in large part to leaders like Sarah Hunter, Maggie Alphonsi, and Philippa Tuttiett. As players, they broke records and defied expectations. Today, they inspire audiences far beyond the pitch. Through powerful, honest storytelling, they help us think differently about leadership, teamwork, and what it means to bounce back from adversity.

At The Speakers Agency, we work with clients who are looking to create lasting impact, whether that’s in a corporate boardroom, a school assembly, or at a major conference. These three female sports speakers consistently deliver that impact. And as we look ahead to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, there’s never been a better time to spotlight their influence.

Sarah Hunter captained England more than 70 times, leading by example with a calm, determined presence. As a leader, she united people. Her approach to leadership was built on trust and self-discipline, making her one of the most respected figures in the game.

Now, Sarah uses those same principles in her work as a motivational speaker. She speaks openly about managing pressure, staying composed in fast-changing environments, and nurturing a great team culture. Her messages are especially valuable for leadership teams and organisations going through change.

As we look toward the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Sarah’s voice continues to shape how we view success, not just in sport, but in business, education, and community life. She reminds us that strong leadership isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about earning respect.

Learn more about Sarah Hunter MBE

Maggie Alphonsi’s journey is one of relentless drive. Born with a physical disability and raised in a single-parent household, she overcame numerous barriers to become a World Cup-winning England international and one of the most recognisable voices in rugby today.

Maggie’s story resonates with anyone who’s had to fight to be heard or seen. When she speaks, she challenges us to rethink what’s possible, for ourselves and for others. She talks about breaking stereotypes, staying resilient under pressure, and why representation is essential.

Organisations bring Maggie in to speak not only because she’s inspiring, but because she makes complex issues like inclusion and equity feel real and urgent. She connects with teams across all industries, helping them build cultures where people feel confident to show up as themselves and do their best work.

With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on the way, Maggie continues to lead conversations about the future of women’s sport and the importance of role models who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

Learn more about Maggie Alphonsi

As one of the most capped Welsh international Sevens players, she represented Wales in seven Six Nations championships and at the 2014 Rugby World Cup. Achieving her dream, she captained the Welsh women’s team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games .
Beyond the rugby field, Philippa broke new ground by founding the UK’s first all-female building company, Female Building and Interiors, in 2007. Her entrepreneurial venture challenged industry norms and showcased her commitment to empowering women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Transitioning into media, Philippa became one of the first former female players to commentate on men’s international rugby. She has since become a respected voice in sports broadcasting, working with major networks like BBC, ITV, and Sky Sports .

Philippa’s diverse experiences make her an engaging speaker on topics such as leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. Her insights resonate with corporate teams, educational institutions, and community groups.
As we approach the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Philippa continues to inspire by sharing her story and advocating for greater visibility and opportunities for women in sports and beyond.

Learn more about Philippa Tuttiett

These three women talk about rugby and about life. They’ve led under pressure, bounced back from setbacks, and worked with diverse teams toward a common goal. The challenges they faced on the field reflect the same challenges many of us deal with in business, education, and personal development: finding resilience, leading with integrity, and building strong, inclusive teams.

As we approach the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, why not invite them in to speak and help shape a more visible, confident, and empowered generation of people and leaders.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can move a room and leave a lasting impression, Sarah Hunter, Maggie Alphonsi and Philippa Tuttiett each offer something special. Their experiences speak directly to the challenges many of us face.

Contact us today to book Sarah Hunter, Maggie Alphonsi, Philippa Tuttiett, or other leading sports speakers.