Leading with Integrity, Speaking with Purpose.

About James Watch Video Testimonial

ABOUT JAMES

History Maker

One of rugby league’s most experienced officials, James took control of more than 300 Super League games – and refereed both the 2022 Challenge Cup Final and the 2017 Super League Grand Final.

James accomplished the rare feat of officiating at four consecutive World Cups – including as touch judge for both the 2008 and 2013 finals – and in 2021, he became the UK’s first openly gay rugby league referee when he opened up about his sexuality on the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast. In 2022, James also appeared in a Pride edition of the long-running BBC panel show, Question of Sport.

BEYOND RUGBY

Breaking New Ground

For seventeen years, James combined his refereeing career with his work as a chartered surveyor at Leeds City Council. After hanging up the whistle in 2022, he joined the world’s largest commercial real estate company CBRE. In June 2023, alongside his husband, James launched Mr & Mr Child – a boutique estate agent in Yorkshire, believed to be the first owned and operated by a gay married couple in the UK.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, James offers a rare and fascinating insight into the highs and lows of life as a professional referee – including how the skills he learned about performing under pressure at the highest levels can be applied to other situations.

SPECIALIST TOPICS

Inspiring Talks For Every Audience

Sport

Stories and lessons from officiating over 300 matches, including Grand Finals and World Cups.

LGBTQ+

Personal experiences navigating sexuality in sport and celebrating LGBTQ+ representation in every arena.

Allyship

Exploring how allyship can create more inclusive spaces for everyone, in the workplace, sport, and beyond.

Mental Health

Advice on staying calm under pressure, building resilience, and looking after your mental health.

Adversity

Reflections on overcoming life’s challenges, both on and off the pitch.

Success

Insights into achieving your goals and redefining what success really means.

Contact James

Keynote Talks

Inspiring, thought-provoking talks (15-45 minutes + Q&A) that leave a lasting impression and spark meaningful conversations.

Panel Discussions

Engaging panel appearances where James shares his unique perspectives and contributes to dynamic discussions.

In-Person or Virtual Presentations

Tailored presentations delivered in person or virtually, bringing James’s insights directly to your audience.

CLIENT

Testimonials

“James’s talk was a real emotional journey that really resonated with our colleagues and clearly initiated lots of conversation.”
Alex MorrisARUP

“James speaks clearly and powerfully about his lived experience. Genuinely fascinating, thoughtful and wonderful.”
Kat DenvirLeeds City Council

“It was a pleasure to listen to James' insight on decision-making, resilience, leadership and the power of role models and allyship which all resonated with officers.”
Gareth JonesNational Crime Agency

“James' genuine and engaging storytelling made us reflect on our own experiences and encouraged us to think more deeply about inclusivity and acceptance in our personal and professional lives. His passion for creating a more inclusive and diverse environment resonated with everyone in the room.”
Shalini MoodlePeople & Talent Manager, Pitch

“James' courage to share his experiences with us and the positive impact of his advocacy work made him a remarkable role model and an inspiration to many.”
Rebecca ThompsonTalent Assistant, Shionogi

“James’s story was inspirational. It’s awesome that he bravely went public to help clear a path (nobody should have to), but I’m most inspired by his self-awareness, accountability for mistakes and desire to improve. Too rare today.”
Noelle GummVice President, Global HR Operations, Incora

MEDIA

Videos & Podcasts

Contact James

Ready to inspire your audience and make a lasting impact? Reach out today to book James for your event.

Follow James

Stay connected with James for updates and insights. Follow him on social media to see what he’s up to and join the conversation.