Matthew James Sutherland Dawson celebrated his 50th cap against Ireland on the same day England won the Grand Slam in 2003 and earned his 60th against the same opposition one year on. He is England’s most capped scrum half and played a critical role for his country in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. A master of the quick `tap and
go’ penalty he has stretched the very best of defences over the years both at international and club level. Educated at RGS High Wycombe, where he played alongside club mate and former England full back Nick Beal, he gained his first England cap in 1995.

He toured with the Lions in 1997, playing all three tests against South Africa and scoring two tries and he was also a member of the 2001 Lions tour to Australia. In 2001 he stood in as England’s captain when Martin Johnson was injured, leading the side on nine occasions and to the Six Nations crown. When called upon, he can also demonstrate his versatility by kicking goals. He played his early club rugby with Marlow and also kept wicket for Buckinghamshire and played soccer for Chelsea Boys.