Mathew Tait

Mathew Tait, (born February 6 1986 in Walsingham,County Durham), is an English rugby union player, he is an outside centre or wing. He plays his club rugby for the Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Related Topics:
February 6 - 1986 - Walsingham - County Durham - English - Rugby union - Outside centre - Wing - Guinness Premiership - Newcastle Falcons

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He attended Barnard Castle School, which has also produced England internationals Rob Andrew, Rory Underwood, and Tony Underwood.

Related Topics:
Rob Andrew - Rory Underwood - Tony Underwood

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In 2002, he was capped as outside centre by England U16 then U18. This was where he was spotted by the National Academy manager, Brian Ashton, who selected him for the Junior National Academy in 2003-04. Because of Ashton?s belief in his pace, power and eye for a gap, the 18 year old was fast tracked straight into the Senior National Academy.

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In May 2004 he made his debut in a Zurich Premiership game against London Irish and scored a try with his first touch of the ball. Falcons signed the centre on contract in April 2004 while he was still finishing his A levels. Tait made his professional debut for Newcastle on May 2 2004, he scored a try with his first touch against London Irish. Tait has also played for England's rugby sevens team, he was a member of the side that won the Dubai sevens in December 2004.

Related Topics:
Zurich Premiership - London Irish - May 2 - 2004 - Rugby sevens - Dubai sevens

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Tait gained massive media attention when Andy Robinson named him in the England starting XV for their opening 2005 Six Nations Championship game, against Wales on February 5. At 18 years old he is the second-youngest player to play for England since World War II, only his Newcastle teammate Jonny Wilkinson played at a younger age.

Related Topics:
Andy Robinson - England - 2005 - Six Nations Championship - Wales - February 5 - World War II - Jonny Wilkinson

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