John Smit

John Smit is one of rugby’s most revered leaders, best known for captaining South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007. With 111 Test caps and a record 83 as Springbok captain, he remains a symbol of strategic leadership and composure under pressure. Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, John transitioned seamlessly into executive leadership as CEO of The Sharks and later as a board member of the South African Rugby Union. A compelling and highly amusing keynote speaker, he shares battle-tested lessons on leadership, resilience and teamwork with corporate audiences across the globe.

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