Matt Perry (rugby union)

Matthew Brendan Perry (born 27 January 1977 in Bath, Somerset)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is an English former rugby union player who played fullback for Bath. He played internationally for England and the British & Irish Lions.

Youth and early career

A cricketer, at Millfield School Perry captained a side including Ben Hollioake, later an England international.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He made his debut for Bath's first team towards the end of the amateur era in December 1995.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Perry went to South Africa to play for the Durban Crusaders' under-21 side for four months in 1996.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:ProQuest</ref><ref name=Hands>Template:Cite news Template:ProQuest</ref> This caused him to give up a place at University College, Cardiff.<ref name=Hands/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On returning to the UK, Perry rejoined Bath. He played 221 times for the club before retiring in 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He played in eight of Bath's nine matches in their winning 1997–98 Heineken Cup campaign, being omitted only from the final against Brive in Bordeaux in favour of Jon Callard, where he was named as a replacement.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

England rugby

England coach Clive Woodward, selected Perry for his first match in charge against Australia in the autumn 1997.<ref name=Richards>Template:Cite news</ref> Perry was awarded Man of the Match on his debut.<ref>Template:Cite news Template:ProQuest</ref> In the Rugby Football Union's 1997/98 awards, Perry was recognised as the young player of the year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1998, Perry went on England's "Tour to Hell" of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. During the 76–0 defeat by Australia, he played out of position at centre.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was part of England's squad for the 1999 Rugby World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Aged 23, Perry beat Jonathan Webb's record to become England's most capped full back with 35 caps in the position,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news Template:ProQuest</ref> a record that has since been overtaken by Mike Brown.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He went on to score 10 tries for England.<ref name=statsguru>Template:Cite web</ref> A back injury saw him dropped from the England squad for Iain Balshaw; he later made way for both Jason Robinson and Josh Lewsey.<ref name=Richards/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Perry made his last appearance for the England senior team in 2001 when he played against France.<ref name=statsguru/> Perry subsequently went on the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, playing in all three tests.<ref name=Richards/>

Later career

Perry continued to play for Bath after his final England appearance, but was plagued by injuries. He was forced to withdraw from the 2004 Zurich Premiership final due to a calf strain sustained in the pre-match warm-up.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Retirement

A bulging disc in Perry's back resulted in spasms and sciatic damage in his left leg, and he retired from playing rugby on 27 March 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On ending his rugby career, he was reported to be joining a consultancy company.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He is the founder and director of the company Transition 15.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Family

Perry's father Brendan and grandfather Idris also played for Bath.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> One of Perry's grandmothers was from the town of Ballyhaunis in County Mayo, Ireland.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has two sons.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Charitable support

Perry is proud ambassador of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

External links

• Profile at Bath Rugby Heritage