Matt Gallagher (rugby union)

Matthew Abramo Gallagher (born 26 October 1996) is an English rugby union player for Irish province Munster in the Pro14 and European Rugby Champions Cup. His primary position is fullback, though can also play on either wing. Gallagher's father is John Gallagher, who famously won the 1987 Rugby World Cup with New Zealand.[1]

Matt Gallagher
Birth nameMatthew Abramo Gallagher
Date of birth (1996-10-26) 26 October 1996
Place of birthSidcup, England
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight96 kg (15.1 st; 212 lb)
Notable relative(s)John Gallagher (father)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing
Current team Munster
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2020 Saracens 44 (45)
2015–2016 → Old Albanians (loan) 16 (84)
2016–2018 → Bedford Blues (loan) 10 (15)
2020– Munster 5 (10)
Correct as of 30 November 2020
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016 England U20
Correct as of 4 April 2019

Professional career

Gallagher made his senior competitive debut for Saracens against Welsh side Ospreys in November 2014.[2] He was voted the Saracens Academy Player of the Year following strong performances for Saracens Storm during the 2015–16 Premiership Rugby A-League, as well as helping loan club Old Albanian secure promotion to National League 1 after winning the 2015–16 National League 2 South play-offs.[1] He joined Bedford Blues as a dual-registered player ahead of the 2016–17 season, though he was soon called into action for Saracens.[2]

Gallagher joined Irish Pro14 side Munster on a two-year contract from the 2020–21 season,[3] and made his competitive debut for the province in their 2020–21 Pro14 round two fixture against Scottish side Edinburgh on 10 October 2020, which Munster won 25–23.[4] Gallagher scored his first tries for Munster in their 28–16 win against Dragons on 1 November 2020.[5]

International career

Gallagher was selected for the England under-20s at the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship,[1] and he started in the 45–21 win against Ireland under-20s in the final.[6]

Through his father, John, Gallagher is qualified to play for Ireland, as his paternal grandfather and grandmother are from Derry and Limerick respectively.[7]

References
  1. "Young Gun: Matt Gallagher – England U20s full-back". The Rugby Paper. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  2. "Matt Gallagher Saracens Profile". Saracens FC. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  3. "Munster Sign De Allende, Gallagher And Snyman". Munster Rugby. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  4. "Report | Brilliant Late Win For Munster". Munster Rugby. 10 October 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  5. "Report | Munster Make It Four From Four Against Dragons". Munster Rugby. 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  6. "Dominant England blow Ireland away in U20 World Cup final". Irish Independent. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
  7. "Report: Munster In Talks To Sign Irish-Qualified Saracens Fullback". Balls.ie. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
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