Andy Gomarsall MBE is a renowned former Rugby Union played that is best known for his role at scrum-half for Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins and London Wasps. The former England international played over 300 games during his professional career in addition to representing his nation on 35 occasions. Having played for teams across the nation along with his tremendous experiences in International rugby, Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup have led to Andy Gomarsall becoming a highly sought after and popular rugby speaker across the nation.
Showcasing an abundance of talent and ability from a young age ‘Gomars’ as he is affectionately referred to by fans across the nation sprang to prominence when he led the 1992 England Schools U18 team to their first Grand Slam in 11 years. Following this highly successful campaign he went on to join London Wasps and made his full international debut for England in 1996 against Italy highlighting the impact and stature of his performances for the Wasps. Further International recognition followed in 1997 when Andy played in three Five Nations games as well as appearing twice as a replacement on tour in Argentina. Reflecting on his first taste of International rugby as well as domestic rugby, Gomarsall shares his experiences and journey to the top during his work as a rugby speaker.
In domestic club rugby Andy Gomarsall was an integral member of London Wasps‘ 1999 Powergen Cup winning side before moving to Bedford to take on the role of captain allowing him to showcase his leadership capabilities and provide invaluable knowledge as a rugby speaker. It was however his next move that he is arguably best known for as he was persuaded to join Gloucester Rugby and soon became a Gloucester Rugby favourite and being a part of a second Powergen Cup triumph in 2003. Gomars often discusses his delight and joy at winning the coveted title as well as sharing intruging tales and anecdotes about the title winning campaigns.
Reigniting his England career after a period of 27 months in the international wilderness, Gomarsall played in the 26-18 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires before securing his place as one of the three scrum halves for the Rugby World Cup with a number of strong performances for England. A personal highlight which he reminisces on during his work as a rugby speaker came in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Brisbane where he scored two tries against Uruguay in an emphatic victory.
England’s vice-captain for the non-cap game against the New Zealand Barbarians in December 2003, Andy Gomarsall started all three of England’s 2004 Autumn internationals at Twickenham and was once again vice captain in the England XV against the Barbarians in May as well as the Churchill Cup tour. However a devasting injury led to his replacement at both Gloucester Rugby and England and in an attempt to prolong his career Gomarsall signed a three year deal with Worcester Warriors where injury worries returned to plague him resulting in the end of his time at the club.
Discussing the psychological impact of injury and the adverse effects it has on his career, as a rugby speaker Andy also expresses the resilience and determination he showed to sign a one year “pay-as-you-play” deal with Harlequins where against all odds his fantastic performances were rewarded with selection for the England squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. An infamous kick down the touchline that enabled Josh Lewsey to score 5 points – the eventual winning margin for England that sent them into the final against South Africa will forever remain a highlight of both his career and English rugby and Gomarsall expertly recollects this historic play during his performances as a rugby speaker.
A tremendous performer who is an incredibly well respected figure in the rugby world, following his retirement as a player Andy Gomarsall has gone on to work extensively in broadcasting and being inundated speaking opportunities where he specialises as rugby speaker. A charismatic personality with a host of entertaining tales and anecdotes to share with guests, Andy Gomarsall MBE is available to hire as a rugby speaker for any event, function or dinner.
