Leadership On and Off the Field: An Evening with Will Carling and Graham Gooch

Jun 5, 2025

Will Carling OBE – Leadership from the Front Line

At just 22 years old, Will Carling became the youngest ever captain of the England rugby union team — a bold appointment that would go on to define an era. Under his leadership, England won three Grand Slams (1991, 1992, 1995) and reached the Rugby World Cup final in 1991, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the modern game.

In conversation with broadcaster Matthew Stadlen, Will shares candid stories from the pitch and the dressing room:
– What was it like facing Jonah Lomu in 1995?
– How did he keep his team focused through triumphs and setbacks?
– And what led to the now-infamous “57 old farts” comment about the RFU?

From teamwork and self-belief to defying expectations, this is a night full of insight, humour and sharp leadership lessons that resonate well beyond sport.

Graham Gooch OBE – A Legend at the Crease

Graham Gooch is one of the most prolific run-scorers in cricket history, with 67,057 runs to his name across all formats of first-class and limited overs cricket — more than even Sachin Tendulkar.* He is one of only 25 players worldwide to score over 100 first-class centuries.

His famous 333 against India at Lord’s in 1990 remains the highest individual Test score at the ground, and his leadership helped England secure three Ashes series victories. Later, as England's batting coach, he mentored top talents including Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root.

In this captivating evening, Graham shares unforgettable stories — from captaining England through cricket’s toughest eras to coaching the next generation. Expect reflections on pressure, performance, and the values that sustained a decades-long career at the top.

*Clarification: Gooch’s run total includes all professional appearances — both international and domestic.

A Perfect Fit for Clubs and Venues

These events go far beyond match stats. They’re about resilience, decision-making, and inspiring others. Whether you're a theatre, rugby club, cricket pavilion, or corporate events team, these evenings offer rich content that will captivate audiences from all walks of life.

Both events are highly adaptable and ideal for:

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Don’t miss this opportunity to bring two sporting greats — and born storytellers — to your stage.