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Rachael Lowndes
Matt Dawson Guildford Book Festival
2 of 3
Rachael Lowndes
Matt Dawson Guildford Book Festival
3 of 3
Rachael Lowndes
Matt Dawson Guildford Book Festival
Former England rugby player turned TV personality Matt Dawson was at the Guildford Book Festival on Sunday speaking about his new book on the Lions. We went along to hear Matt tackle the highs and lows of his playing career
Gracing the stage at the Electric Theatre on Sunday, Matt was part of the big name line up at this year’s Guildford Book Festival.
Speaking to a packed out crowd of rugby and sports enthusiasts of all ages, the former England rugby international was promoting his book, Matt Dawson’s Tales from the Lions: Epic Yarns from 125 Years of Rugby Folklore.
Matt's new book chronicling his time in the British and Irish Lions team is his third. He published his autobiography Nine Lives in 2004 and his recipe book Fresh, Simple, Tasty in 2009 after winning Celebrity Masterchef in 2006.
England's most capped scrum-half has certainly retained his competitiveness off the rugby field and even took part in Strictly Come Dancing, being runner up in 2006 with his partner Lilia Kopylova.
But it was strictly rugby matters on Sunday evening in Guilford. Bringing a mixture of rugby lad humour and slick TV personality canniness, Matt’s stories and sly comments from his days in the prestigious touring side raised more than a few laughs from the audience.
Matt’s diaries from his days in the team made up the basis and inspiration for his book. Keeping a diary is something Matt has done throughout his career. His highly critical account of the Lions tour of 2001 caused controversy when it was published whilst the team was on tour in Australia. Matt was fined £5,000 and nearly suffered the disgrace of being sent home. He spoke openly on Sunday about his regret about the incident and his naivety at the time.
Matt has clearly learnt his lesson from his heady days as a young professional. Since retiring from rugby he is neatly carving out an impressive career for himself as a TV and radio personality. From his long-term residency on BBC’s Question of Sport to joining Radio Five Live, his charitable work for United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Beating Bowel Cancer amongst others, he is certainly keeping himself busy.
We were just glad he could make time to pop into Guildford and share some of his experiences with the town at what is an impressive and entertaining line up at this year's Festival.
For more info on the events on the Guildford Book Festival, click here
