Martin Corry is a living legend in the world of Rugby. His impressive list of accolades include winning the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003, captaining not only England, but the British and Irish Lions as well as top Premiership club Leicester Tigers, winning five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups. Now retired from the game, Martin has successfully become one of the most inspirational motivational and performance speakers in the world. His ability to competently translate his experiences from his time in rugby to elements of everyday life, from the workplace to home and leisure time make Martin the premier speaker he is today.
Born in Birmingham, Martin started to enjoy rugby from an early age, attending Tunbridge Wells Grammar School and playing for their ‘Minis’ team. His potential and talent was immediately identified, he was soon employed by coaches as a No. 8, lock or blindside. Coaches at Newcastle Gosforth recognised his huge presence as he spent time in the North East studying at Northumbria University. He later joined Bristol Rugby Club where he enjoyed a successful spell before making the step up to join one of England’s finest Rugby Clubs, the Leicester Tigers. It was at Leicester that Martin emerged as one of the finest players of his generation.
As Martin was helping Leicester to achieve major success both domestically and on the European stage, he was developing his own international career, and in 1997 he won his first cap for England against Argentina. As he continued to win Premiership titles and major honours with Leicester he became a regular for England and was selected for the squad in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. In 2001 the British and Irish Lions toured Australia; Martin’s fine form saw him travel with the squad to the Southern Hemisphere, featuring three times for the Lions and starting in two of the matches.
Martin met every international rugby player’s dream when he was selected to travel to Australia as part of the legendary Clive Woodward managed 2003 England squad. The English team were one of the finest to ever feature in a World Cup and Martin played his part as England dramatically won the final for the first time in World Cup history.
Martin’s unrivalled success on the international scene is undeniable and, as well as being made captain for England, he held the role as vice captain for the 2005 British and Irish Lions and after Brian O’Driscoll’s terrible injury on their tour of New Zealand, Martin took over as captain.
Martin’s final achievement in international rugby came as he helped England to reach the World Cup Final in France in 2007. Unfortunately Martin and his team mates were unable to retain their status as World Champions but they were lauded for their efforts and play during the tournament. Martin continued to play for England until 2008 when he announced his retirement from international rugby. He continued to play for the Leicester Tigers until the end of the 2008/2009 season when he decided to retire from rugby. Martin is now involved in a number of projects and is known as one of the most successful motivational and professional speakers in the UK. His experience and delivery enable Martin to appeal to a range of audiences including corporate executives and sports clubs.
