Mathew Tait England Profile
Updated November 27, 2008
MATHEW TAIT
Club: Sale Sharks
Position: Full back
Born: 06.02.86 | Shotley Bridge
Height: 1.83m (6’ 0“)
Weight: 90kg (14st 3lb)
Representative Honours: England 16 Group, 18 Group, Sevens, A
Caps: 24
Points: 15 - 3T
International Record: 2005 W 2006 A(1,2), SA(1,2) 2007 It(R), I(R), F(R), W, SA(1,2), W World Cup - USA(R), SA(R), Sam, Tg, A, F, SA 2008 It(R), F(R), S(R), I(R), NZ(2)
Mathew Tait, who joined Sale Sharks this season, played full back in England’s second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch in June.
However, he did not figure in the Investec Challenge series after suffering a hamstring injury.
He has spent much of 2008 on the bench, including coming on and scoring a try against Ireland to secure a second place finish in the RBS 6 Nations.
In October 2007 he became England’s youngest Rugby World Cup final player, at 21 years and 256 days, when he started against South Africa.
A replacement for the opening two matches against USA and South Africa, he made the No 13 shirt his own and almost scored the try of the tournament in the final but for Victor Matfield’s tackle.
He was overlooked for the opening 2008 RBS 6 Nations match against Wales, before being reinstated in the match day 22 when Mike Tindall was forced to miss the rest of the tournament after damaging his liver.
Mat made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in February 2005 on the eve of his 19th birthday but had to wait another 16 months before adding to his caps, on the 2006 tour to Australia. He has played for England at centre, wing and full back.
A former Consett player, he came to prominence after playing for England 16 and 18 Group, and joined Newcastle Falcons in 2003. He marked his Premiership debut against London Irish in May 2004 at the age of 18 years 86 days by scoring a try with his first touch of the ball.
Mat played a key role in England winning the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games Sevens in March 2006. He finished as the tournament’s top try (nine) scorer including hat tricks against Sri Lanka and Samoa, together with two in the semi final against Fiji.
He was a member of the England A squad that won the 2005 Churchill Cup, appearing in the final against Argentina in Edmonton.
Did you know?
If he wasn’t a professional player, Mat would be studying to become a doctor or vet.
He went to the same Barnard Castle School that produced England internationals Rob Andrew and Rory and Tony Underwood.
Mat relaxes before matches by lying next to a running shower or listening to the hairdryer.
His younger brother, Alex, is following in his footsteps at Newcastle Falcons. The full back/centre played for England Under 20s in June’s IRB Junior World Championship and the brothers lined up against each other when the Sharks met the Falcons in September’s Guinness Premiership clash.
