Matt Dunning facts for kids
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| Date of birth | 19 December 1978 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 119 kg (18 st 10 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Northholm Grammar School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Macquarie University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Father - John Dunning Mother - Christine Dunning Brothers - Casey and Josh Dunning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Emma | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | James, Ben - William and Thomas Dunning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Partner & Business Occupier Advisor at ResolveXO | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Matthew Dunning (born 19 December 1978) is a former Australian rugby union player. He was known for playing as a prop, a key position in the front row of a rugby team. Matt played for major teams like the Waratahs and Western Force in the Super Rugby competition. He also proudly represented his country, Australia, in international matches. After his playing career, he coached the Balmain rugby club in Sydney.
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Matt Dunning's Early Life and Rugby Start
Matt Dunning was born in Calgary, Canada, on December 19, 1978. However, he grew up in Sydney, Australia. He attended Northholm Grammar School where he began his rugby journey.
In 1996, Matt was chosen to play for New South Wales in the Australian Schools Rugby Championships. This was a big step for young players. He continued to play for Australian teams at different age levels, including the Under-19s and Under-21s. Matt's brother, Casey Dunning, also became a professional rugby player for Canada.
Matt Dunning's Rugby Career Highlights
Matt Dunning started his professional career with the New South Wales Waratahs in 2000. His first game in the top-level Super 14 competition was in 2001 against the Chiefs.
International Debut and World Cup
Matt made his first international appearance for Australia on October 25, 2003. This was during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and he was 24 years old. Australia won that match against Namibia by a very large score. Matt also played in the World Cup final, where Australia narrowly lost to England.
The Famous Drop Goal
Matt Dunning is remembered for a surprising moment in the 2003 Super 12 season. His team, the Waratahs, needed an extra point to reach the finals. During a game, Matt tried to kick a drop goal, hoping it would miss. He thought this would lead to a penalty, giving his team another chance to score a try. But to everyone's surprise, the ball went through the posts! This unexpected score became a famous moment in his career.
Later Career and Injuries
Matt was chosen again for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He played in all four of Australia's matches, including the quarter-final loss to England.
In 2008, Matt suffered a serious injury to his Achilles tendon while playing for Australia. This happened at Wembley Stadium, where the playing surface was not very stable. The injury kept him from playing in the 2009 Super 14 season. However, after recovering and playing well for his club team, Eastwood, he returned to the Australian team for a tour in 2009.
In 2010, Matt joined the Western Force team, where he played for two seasons. In 2011, he planned to play for a club in France, Biarritz Olympique. But he had to return to Sydney for neck surgery. After recovering, he played for Eastwood in their Shute Shield Grand Final win in 2011. Soon after, he retired from playing top-level rugby.
