After Dinner SpeakersMartin Bayfield is a former British Lions and England Rugby Player, Broadcaster and leading After-Dinner Speaker.
Between 1985 and 1989 Martin served with the Metropolitan Police before transferring to Bedfordshire Police where he juggled playing rugby and serving in the forces. He made the transition into his fulltime rugby career in 1990
‘Bayfs’ made his rugby debut for England in 1991 and was a first-team member for seven years.
In total, he earned 31 international caps including playing in the 1992 and 1995 Grand Slam sides.
He was a member of the 1995 World Cup Squad and was selected for five out of six tests.
Martin also played in all three tests on the British Lions tour to New Zealand.
Unfortunately, he was forced to retire early from the game after sustaining a neck injury during a training session.
Bayfield also represented the Barbarians, Midlands and British Police sides. His previous clubs include the Metropolitan Police RUFC, Northampton Saints and Bedford RUFC.
Martin is a recipient of the title Rugby Football Player of the Year.
Broadcasting:
Following his retirement from the field, Martin moved seamlessly into broadcasting.
He has commentated for the BBC and Radio 5 Live, hosted Five’s NFL coverage and The World’s Strongest Man and also covered the Rugby World Cup for ITV.
In March 2012, Martin joined the presenting team on BBC One’s long-running show ‘Crimewatch‘.
Martin was involved in ITV’s coverage of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup; initially as their England reporter but then supported more widely as a pitch-side reporter across all major tournament fixtures.
Martin was then the primary presenter for the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2015, which was broadcast live on ITV.
Martin is currently a presenter for BT Sport’s Premiership Rugby and European Rugby Union tournaments, as well as being involved in popular shows such as Rugby Tonight along with co-hosts Lawrence Dallaglio, Austin Healey, Ben Kay and Matt Dawson.
Furthermore, Bayfield has been a key member of ITV’s broadcast team since 2016, being a regular presenter during the RBS/Guinness Six Nations.
Martin is also well known for serving as the body and stunt double of the much-loved giant Rubeus Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane, in the entire Harry Potter franchise. He has also appeared as a Cyclops in the film Wrath of the Titans!
Martin was a finalist in BBC One’s Celebrity MasterChef 2018, continuously wowing the judges, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, with his imaginative dishes and culinary knowledge.
Martin is actively involved with charities; he is the Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon Society, a rugby charity that supports disadvantaged children and young people, as well as Vice President of London Playing Fields Foundation.
After-Dinner Speaker Martin Bayfield:
Standing at 6ft 10in, Martin Bayfield makes an excellent addition to any top table with his entertaining rugby related anecdotes.
Martin is a top-rated rugby after-dinner speaker, a fantastic host, MC and auctioneer.
