John Bentley
John Bentley is one of the greatest dual-code rugby players in history. Having played and succeeded in both Rugby League and Rugby Union, John has left a majestic mark on the game loved by millions around the world.
His 1997 try for the British and Irish Lions became one of the most celebrated in the game.
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His 1997 try for the British and Irish Lions became one of the most celebrated in the game. After beating nine men he would slam the ball between the posts to change the fate of the tour and make himself a household name overnight.
John began as a Rugby Union player in the late 1980s before the game was considered professional. During this time he trained as a policeman. He made his England debut against Ireland at the age of 21, before embarking on a tour of Australia in 1988. Following the summer, John switched to Rugby League where he joined Leeds. During a four year spell, between 1988 and 1992, John scored 53 tries in 266 appearances for the club. In 1992 he joined Halifax, leaving a mark on the club scoring 108 tries in 434 games.
In 1995, Rugby Union turned professional, and John journeyed back, switching code in 1996 when he signed for Newcastle Falcons. His time at the club proved fruitful, despite only 3 appearances, as the club would lift their first and only Premiership title to date in 1998. In this time, he would make his debut for England and The British and Irish Lions in 1997, playing in the Lions’ tour of South Africa. He would return to Rugby League in 1998, rejoining Halifax, where he would make 12 further appearances before moving to Huddersfield.
Since hanging up his boots, he has become a regular and sought-after after-dinner speaker, having been a Coach and Community Development Manager at Leeds Rugby and a Director of rugby at Cleckheaton. One of the most admired sporting personalities in the country, John’s place in the history books is in no doubt. He has also been involved in charity work and is the Yorkshire region honorary President for the children’s charity Wooden Spoon. Set up in 1983, the charity improves the lives of disadvantaged children throughout the country.
A sensational speaker, capable of rousing crowds with stories and anecdotes of his experiences in Rugby League and Rugby Union as well as ‘that try’ – he is a must-have for sports and corporate events.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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"It changed my life."
John Bentley's brilliant try against Gauteng Lions! | South Africa 1997
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