Martin Bayfield

About

Martin is a former rugby union player who played lock forward for Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues and England, gaining 31 England and 3 Lions. He is an ex-policeman, and one of the tallest players to ever play rugby – a stat he used to full advantage as one of England’s most potent forwards.

Martin Bayfield was born in Bedford. The 208 cm (6 ft 10in) tall policeman made his England debut in 1991, and although he was omitted from the 1991 World Cup squad, was a part of the 1992 Five Nations Grand Slam winning side.

He went on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand and was part of the 1995 World Cup squad.

Since retirement, Bayfield has worked as a journalist, an after dinner speaker and has since appeared in the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid (normally played by Robbie Coltrane) in longer shots which need to emphasise Hagrid’s height. He also played a cyclop in Jonathan Liebesman’s Wrath of the Titans,the sequel to 2010 movie Clash of the Titans.

He presents the NFL and World’s Strongest Man coverage on UK Channel Five and works as a rugby correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live. He has also been involved as a presenter in ITV’s coverage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup as well as currently presenting ITV’s Guinness Premiership higlights.

He is actively involved with charity, and is an Honorary President of Wooden Spoon – the rugby charity that supports disadvantaged children and young people.

Bayfield also played Rugby Player 2 in an episode of New Tricks on BBC1 (first shown on 1 September 2008).

Martin’s speeches reflect his colouful career as a former policeman, rugby player, actor, broadcaster, presenter and columnist.