Matt, a member of Northampton’s 2000 European Cup winning team, has been appointed the fourth Player Development Manager as the PRA expands its programme of providing support to professional rugby players in its 10th year.

The captain of Bedford Blues, who was among the first to join the PRA when it was launched in 1998, will offer guidance and advice for members within three Guinness Premiership clubs in the Midlands region.

The Player Development Programme, established in 2004, aims to assist with the personal and professional needs of members during their playing careers, and to better prepare them for life after rugby.

It focuses on education and careers, personal and professional development, wealth creation and risk, and lifestyle balance.

The 34-year-old centre will bring his experience of playing the game whilst developing a career off the field to the programme.

Matt made more than 180 appearances for Northampton between 1996 and 2001 and still holds the club record for tries scored during a game. He then spent three years with Cardiff before joining Bedford in 2004.

Whilst playing for Cardiff, Matt studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Development and Coaching. He went on to combine playing part-time for Bedford with careers in sports development and sales, and plans to continue with the National League One side in his new role.

Matt, who lives in Northampton, said: “I am really excited to be joining the PRA. Having been a professional, I understand the issues that the players face and am looking forward to being able to use my experience to help them through those challenges.

“Whilst still playing semi-professional rugby, I have been able to make the transition from player to ‘worker’ and am very keen to ensure that other players have the opportunity to safeguard their futures whilst enjoying all the benefits of professional sport.”

The Player Development Programme continues to expand and this season has seen the launch of a jobs network to promote career opportunities, a programme of personal development seminars and an education fund to provide grants for studies.

Tim Nicholls, Head Player Development Manager, said: “It is becoming increasingly clear as the professional game gets tougher that the Player Development Programme is one of the most important vehicles of the PRA in supporting its members.

“The reality is that we are dealing with young men who only know rugby and the PRA wants to make sure that they are looked after when they have finished playing whilst at the same time helping them to fulfill their dreams on the pitch.”

Matt takes up his position with the PRA on March 10 and, after undergoing training, will join the three other Player Development Managers out in the field – Tim Nicholls, who covers the North, Jason Reilly, who is responsible for the London area, and Zoe Eaton in the South West.

Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the PRA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt to the PRA. His appointment not only represents the success of the Player Development Programme but also the increasing need for the support it provides among our members.

“Matt brings a wealth of experience from both on and off the field, and his knowledge and understanding will be of great benefit to the players he will be assisting.”