Alex Payne

Alex Payne is a British sports broadcaster best known as the long-time lead presenter of Sky Sports’ rugby union coverage, fronting England internationals, the Heineken Cup, and British & Irish Lions tours for over a decade. Since leaving his full-time Sky role, he has co-hosted the chart-topping podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby and founded influencer-marketing company The Influence Room.

Overview

Alex Payne's Profile

Alex Payne was born in June 1980. He attended Sandroyd School, Eton College, and Edinburgh University before entering broadcasting, joining Sky Sports in his early twenties as one of the channel’s youngest presenters at the time.

He began his broadcasting career at Sky Sports hosting the “Rugby Club” show, then travelled to New Zealand in 2005 as a reporter for the British and Irish Lions tour. He went on to present Sky Sports News for five years, covering sports such as tennis, including the US Open final, and hosted poker programming for Sky and Fox.

Payne rose to become the lead presenter for Sky Sports’ rugby union news coverage, holding the role for 12 years and anchoring broadcasts of England internationals, the Heineken Cup, the Tri Nations, and domestic English and European competitions, including the 2013 Lions tour in Australia.

After 21 years, he left his full-time role at Sky Sports to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, though he has occasionally returns for major events, such as lead reporting coverage of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour.

Quick Facts

2
Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

19
Years Active

0
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

No current networks found.

No past networks found.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Cordelia Payne from to (Current wife)
  • Martha Payne, a biological child with Cordelia Payne, born in
  • Harry Payne, a biological child with Cordelia Payne, born in

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Completed secondary education at Eton College
  • Attended Edinburgh University; graduated with a degree in History of Art

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Salary accumulated as a presenter on rugby union, Sky Sports News, and Sky News
  • Revenue from his media/influencer marketing company, The Influence Room
  • Income as the host The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast
  • Earnings from live event hosting and ward ceremonies
  • Revenue from a Blackeye Gin brand as a partner venture with his podcast co-hosts, Haskell and Tindall

Awards

Awards & recognition