Philippa Tuttiett Speaker | Sports & New Speakers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events

Phillippa Tuttiett

Former international rugby player and now broadcaster

Philippa is the face of Welsh Women’s rugby and since her playing retirement, she has become a fan favourite in the commentary box and one of the most respected female pundits in the world.

Before retiring from international rugby in 2018, the winger represented Wales in Seven Six Nations championships and at the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France. She was also captain of the Cardiff Blues. Her long career led to her becoming one of the highest capped Welsh international Sevens players, representing her country on the World Sevens Series and then achieving her dream of captaining Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Heart-break for Philippa struck, however, when she was injured at the start of the tournament, and this ultimately forced her retirement from international rugby. Philippa also battled against the odds, overcoming a career threatening heart murmur which she still has to closely monitor today.

On hanging up her rugby boots, Philippa’s passion and expertise for rugby continues now as a media professional. She was one of the first former female players to commentate on men’s international rugby, and is now a regular working for the BBC, Premier Sports, Sky Sports, ITV and the BBC on Rugby World Cups, the Six Nations, Premiership Rugby and the United Rugby Championship.

Off the field there is no glass ceiling, with Philippa setting up the UK’s first building company to offer an all-female work force. Female Building and Interiors was launched in 2007 and continues to be very successful. She also became the first female builder to be featured on TV as master builder of the Renovation Game on Channel 4, and she has hosted a series of DIY tips with UKTV. Away from the rugby pitch, Philippa is an excellent speaker. Whether it’s talking about leadership as captain or overcoming adversity, she has an intriguing story you will want to hear.

Testimonials from Teachers

Philippa attended our whole school Sports Awards evening as guest speaker and to hand out prizes to the winning students, Before the evening she was in regular contact, arrived on time and was incredibly professional throughout the process. She spoke passionately to the 200 parents and students about her experiences in sport, her disappointments and how she worked hard to overcome them. She discussed many of her own dreams growing up really giving the audience a sense of understanding of the barriers she has had to overcome. As a speaker she was clear, charismatic and best of all added humour where necessary. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her fully, we would definitely work with her again as she is an inspiration and a fantastic role model to students.

– Chipping Norton School

Philippa came to our school to work with a wide variety of students - aged 6 - 18, gifted and talented students, GCSE & A-level PE students and students interested in trying out rugby. Each session was perfectly pitched to the group and Philippa took on board the diverse requirements of the students in each session when planning. Student and parent feedback following the workshops was extremely positive - students were engaged, inspired and curious to find out more, and a number of parents took the time to contact me personally following Philippa's work with our students to comment on the impact she had had. Philippa's manner during the sessions was really positive and open; she encouraged even the shyest of student to get involved and the content and presentation of information was fun and interesting. Philippa was an absolute professional to work with from start to finish - easily contactable, keen to meet the needs of us as a school, reliable, organised and a great communicator. I would not hesitate to work with Philippa again, and anyone else who has the opportunity to benefit from her wealth of experience should jump at the chance!

– Redmaids School

Including a speech by Philippa was the best way we could have launched the Welsh Baccalaureate to our pupils. With her talks focusing on skills and how those skills transferred to future employment helped many of our pupils realise the possibilities open to them after school. An inspirational speaker to whom many of our pupils could relate to.

– Plasmawr School, Cardiff