Matt Dawson

Matt Dawson, a former rugby player and national TV personality, played a key role in England’s victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and has since become the longest-serving team captain on BBC1’s popular show, A Question of Sport. His journey from rugby to media has been marked by success in both fields.

Dawson’s rugby career is highlighted by his leadership during the 1998 “Tour from Hell” in Australia and New Zealand, and by captaining England to victory in the 2000 Six Nations Championship. His seamless transition to television saw him become a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing, further showcasing his versatility.

In addition to his sporting and TV accomplishments, Matt has developed a strong presence in the culinary world. He won Celebrity MasterChef in 2006, and his love for food led to several television appearances on cooking shows like Matt and Allegra’s Big Farm and Monster Munchies. He also partnered with food brand Tulip to create a line of sausages sold at major UK supermarkets, and served as a brand ambassador for Young’s Seafood.

Matt’s media career remains vibrant, with over eight million viewers tuning in weekly for A Question of Sport. Beyond this, he is a respected sports journalist and commentator, contributing to BBC Sport’s rugby coverage and other major events like the 2012 Olympics. His diverse talents, including work with Bordeaux Wines on food and wine pairings, have made him a well-rounded and widely admired public figure.