François Louw is a retired South African rugby union star who earned international acclaim as a powerful flanker for the Springboks. Over a decade-long international career, he won 76 caps and played a pivotal role in South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph in Japan. Known for his relentless work ethic, tactical intelligence, and leadership on and off the field, François also enjoyed a distinguished club career with Bath Rugby in England, where he became one of the Premiership’s most respected players.
Since retiring from professional rugby, François has transitioned into motivational speaking and leadership development. He shares hard-earned lessons from his sporting journey, balancing pressure, building unity, and performing under extreme scrutiny that resonate with corporate audiences worldwide. His authenticity, humility, and ability to connect across cultures make him a powerful presence on stage. Today, he continues to inspire organizations and teams by drawing parallels between elite sport and business performance.
Francois Louw is a former professional rugby player who made a lasting impact as a stalwart of the South African Springboks. Born on June 15, 1985, in Cape Town, Louw attended Bishops College and the University of Stellenbosch before launching his rugby career with Western Province. He soon progressed to the Stormers in Super Rugby, where his uncompromising style of play earned him recognition. In 2011, he joined Bath Rugby in England’s Premiership, becoming a fan favorite and notching over 140 appearances across nearly a decade.
Louw made his debut for the Springboks in June 2010 against Wales and quickly became a mainstay in the national squad. Known for his tactical prowess at the breakdown and relentless work ethic, he earned 76 caps for South Africa and scored 50 test points. He played in three Rugby World Cups (2011, 2015, and 2019), culminating in a crowning moment when South Africa won the 2019 title against England. Louw’s performance, especially his breakdown dominance in high-stakes matches, proved crucial to the Springboks’ campaign.
On the field, Louw was respected for his physicality, tactical acumen, and ability to turn the tide at the ruck. Off the field, his leadership and team-first mentality set him apart. Following his international retirement after the 2019 World Cup, and full retirement from Bath Rugby in 2020, Louw transitioned into a new career as a financial adviser, focusing on guiding young athletes with the same commitment he brought to rugby.
Francois Louw is also the grandson of Jan Pickard, a former Springbok lock from the 1950s, continuing a proud family legacy in South African rugby. Today, Louw remains a respected figure in the sporting world, embodying resilience, integrity, and professionalism in both his past athletic achievements and his current endeavors.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Nick Mallett is a Professional Motivational speaker and TV Commentator and is one of the leading authorities on Rugby and has coached not only the Springboks but most recently Italy. Arguably, South Afrcia’s most successful rugby coach ever — prior to Dr. Rassie Erasmus, Nicholas Vivian Howard Mallett was born on October 30, 1956 in […]
Eben Etzebeth is one of South Africa’s most accomplished rugby players, known for his fierce competitiveness, leadership, and remarkable athleticism. Standing tall at 6’8” and weighing over 120kg, Etzebeth’s physical presence is matched by his exceptional skill and strategic brilliance on the field. He made his Springbok debut in 2012 at just 20 years old […]
Jean de Villiers is a product of Paarl Gimnasium, the nursery of many a future South African star player (among them past international teammate Marius Joubert and South African back-rower Schalk Burger), De Villiers made his first impact at international level in the South African Sevens team, playing in ten of the eleven legs of […]
Dr. Rassie Erasmus, a name synonymous with South African rugby excellence, has risen beyond the pitch to become an influential figure globally, both in sports and leadership. Known for leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023, Rassie combines his illustrious career as a former player and as one of the most […]
Victor Matfield (born 11 May 1977) is a South African former professional rugby union player. He played for and captained the South Africa national team (Springboks) as well as the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls franchise in Super Rugby. He is generally considered one of the best locks to have ever played […]
Jake White won the Rugby World Cup 2007 as Coach of the Springboks. He leads a motivational talk for your conference or event. Jake White (born 13 December 1963 in Johannesburg as Jacob Westerduin) is a rugby union coach and former coach of the South Africa national rugby union team, the Springboks. Jake White attended […]
Joel Stransky is more than a former Springbok fly half, he is a living embodiment of precision under pressure, mental toughness, and South African resilience. Globally recognized for his historic performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, where he scored every point, including the legendary drop goal in extra time that secured South Africa’s […]
Waylon Murray is a renowned South African sportsman and ex-Springbok centre who played professionally for over a decade with the Sharks, Lions, Bulls, and Southern Kings. Beyond the accolades, Waylon is a compelling speaker and author whose forthcoming book, BUILT TO WIN, codifies his leadership philosophy. Waylon’s message is forged in the trenches, stemming not […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel
