After Dinner Speakers: Francois Pienaar, Brian Walden, Blondie

Francois Pienaar, with twenty nine international caps to his name, has already reached the highest peak in rugby union - he captained his country South Africa, to 1995 World Cup victory on home turf and was presented the Webb Ellis Trophy by President Nelson Mandela. In winning rugby's ultimate prize, Francois not only helped put South Africa back on the sporting map but also, having been named 'Newsmaker of the Year', he is his country's most celebrated icon after Nelson Mandela. Francois was appointed captain on his first international appearance, against France in 1993 and is now the most capped South African captain. Francois has subsequently enjoyed a new challenge on the English club scene at Saracens. Worldwide, he continues to reinforce his reputation as the face of South African rugby, a true ambassador for his sport and his country.