Matt Dawson

Scrum-half legend, World Cup winner, and media personality.

Matthew James Sutherland Dawson, MBE (born 31 October 1972) is an English retired rugby union player who played scrum half for Northampton Saints and then London Wasps. During his international career he toured with the British & Irish Lions three times and was part of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side. He won 77 caps for his country in total, including nine as captain and was England's most capped scrum half until passed by Danny Care.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Matthew James Sutherland Dawson
Born: 31 October 1972
Birthplace: Birkenhead, England
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 13.10 st (183 lb / 83.2 kg)
Position: Scrum-half
School: RGS High Wycombe

Lore & Background

Dawson was best known for his trademark 'sniping runs' and played the whistle well, often scoring tries from 'tap and go' penalties. When called upon, he could also demonstrate his versatility by kicking goals. Since retiring, Dawson has become a team captain on A Question of Sport besides appearing on various reality shows and is a commentator and presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live's rugby programme. Dawson currently works as a health ambassador for Sodexo, a global food and facilities provider. In early 2014, he was appointed as director for business development at the flexible workplace company, Instant.

Reader's Guide

Dawson made his international debut for England in December 1995, against Western Samoa. He went on the 1997 British Lions tour to South Africa as third-choice scrum-half behind Healey and Rob Howley, but injury to Howley and some good performances saw Dawson make the starting line-up. In the first test with ten minutes to go, Dawson broke from the base of a scrum and threw an overhead dummy that checked the four Springboks allowing him to scamper in for the winning try. That victory was the start of a 2–1 series win, clinched when he fed Jeremy Guscott for the series-winning drop goal. Dawson captained England for the first time when he was chosen as captain for the infamous 1998 'tour from hell' in the absence of more experienced internationals.

Did You Know?

Dawson was a member of the England Sevens team which won the inaugural Sevens World Cup in Scotland in 1993.
He scored England's first try of the 1999 Rugby World Cup just eight minutes into the opening match against Italy.
Dawson's career nearly ended after sustaining a neck injury during the record 53–3 win against South Africa in November 2002, when he was headbutted by Springbok skipper Corné Krige.
He won Celebrity MasterChef in 2006 and came second in Strictly Come Dancing the same year.
Dawson became a UNICEF UK ambassador in 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Matt Dawson considered a legend of English rugby?

Dawson holds the distinction of being England's most-capped scrum-half until Danny Care surpassed his record, and he was instrumental in winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His leadership during that era also included securing a Six Nations Grand Slam for England.

Did Matt Dawson win any major tournaments with England?

Yes, he was a pivotal member of the squad that secured victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. That same year, he helped England achieve a Six Nations Grand Slam title under his leadership.