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Before becoming the rugby player we know, Martin Bayfield spent four years working with the Metropolitan Police, before transferring to Bedfordshire Police, where he balanced his duties with his rugby career.

He would make the transition into full-time rugby in 1990.

At 6′ 10”, Martin Bayfield was one of the tallest rugby players of his generation, which he used to his full advantage as one of England’s forwards.

He enjoyed a successful international career, winning 2 Five/Six Nations Grand Slams, and 31 England Caps, as well as being picked to represent the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 1993.

A serious neck injury prematurely ended Martin Bayfield’s rugby career in 1998, but his charismatic personality and natural stage presence enabled him to easily transition into TV presenting and corporate speaking.

Martyn Bayfield TV Presenter

In 2012, Martin Bayfield was confirmed as a regular presenter on BBC One’s long-running show Crimewatch (2012-2016).

Throughout his broadcasting career, he has also covered the NFL and World’s Strongest Man (2006-) and worked as a rugby correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live.

He’s been involved in the coverage of the 2011 and 2015 rugby world cups, initially as ITV’s England reporter but then as a major tournament pitch-side reporter.

He has continued this role throughout the Six Nations tournaments. He has also been their main presenter for the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge.

He also has experience presenting for BT Sport’s Premiership Rugby and European Rugby Union tournaments and for shows, including Rugby Tonight for the channel, and he is now one of their longest running live presenters across all rugby tournaments.

He is also the presenter for Premier Sports across EPCR Championship and Challenge Cup.

What some people may not know is that Martin was the body and stunt double of the much-loved giant Rubeus Hagrid, played by the late Robbie Coltrane in the entire Harry Potter (2001-2011) film franchise.

He also appeared as a cyclops in the film Wrath of the Titans (2012), and was offered the role of The Mountain in HBO’s hugely popular Game of Thrones.

His beloved personality has also seen him appear on a variety of entertainment shows, including Morning Live (2021), The Wright Stuff (2013), A Question of Sport (2013), The Weakest Link (2004), and Celebrity Masterchef (2018), where he made it to the final.

In 2022, Martin released his memoir, A Very Tall Story. Described as a “hilarious and, at times, moving and soul-searching”, Martin’s book explores his time as an amateur and then professional rugby player, stunt double, and TV presenter.

Martin is actively involved with charities; he is the Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon Society, a rugby charity supporting disadvantaged children and young people, and Vice President of the London Playing Fields Foundation, who protect, provide, and promotes playing fields in London.

Martin Bayfield Keynote Speaker

Whilst injury may have prematurely ended his rugby playing career, his natural flair and fun personality have made him a popular keynote speaker, award host, and conference moderator.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great Sports Speakers now to book ex-Rugby Player, auctioneer and TV Presenter Martin Bayfield for your corporate event.

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