“Matt’s passion for the sport left a lasting impact across the Bristol rugby community.”
Matt Salter, Bristol Rugby team 2010(Image: Jon Kent)
Bristol Bears have tribute to former club captain and ‘dedicated family man’ who has died aged 49.
Matt Salter, an iconic figure in recent Bears’ history is being remembered by the club as one of their ‘greatest ever captains’.
Salter led the club for four seasons starting in 2004, regaining Bristol Bear’s position in the Guinness Premiership and finished third in the table in the 2006-07 season.
The ex-flanker has been described by the club as a ‘no-nonsense, tough tackling, ambassador’ for the team.
The club said in a tribute that Salter was a ‘talented dual-code athlete who remained involved with the game long after his retirement.
Matt trained young players as Head Coach at Clifton RFC and later as a Director of Rugby at Clifton College, who paid tribute to him over the weekend.
The club said Mr Salter’s passion for the sport left a lasting impact on the Bristol community, adding he was a dedicated family man to his wife and three children Charlotte, Isabella and Fergus.
Bristol Bears said in their tribute: “Bristol Bears are saddened to learn of the death of former club captain Matt Salter at the age of 49.
“Salter was an iconic figure in Bristol’s recent history and will be remembered as one of the club’s greatest ever captains.
“He led the club for four consecutive seasons from 2004. During this time Bristol regained their position in the Guinness Premiership and finished third in the table in the 2006-07 season.
Matt Salter(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“Playing mainly as a no-nonsense, tough tackling blindside flanker, Matt was an excellent ambassador for Bristol and revelled in the role of skipper.
“He enjoyed a varied career, including spells in rugby league, and was unfortunate not to receive representative honours at senior level.
“During his playing career, he made more than 150 appearances across two spells with Bristol, representing the club with distinction in the top flight of English rugby.
“Born in London, Salter began his senior career with Blackheath before spells with West Hartlepool and Bristol Shoguns. After a season with Leeds Tykes, he returned to Bristol in 2004, where he went on to captain the side from 2004 to 2008 and was named captain of the Guinness Premiership Dream Team in 2006.
“A talented dual-code athlete, Salter also played rugby league professionally for London Broncos and represented Great Britain at Under-19 level earlier in his career.
“Following his retirement from playing in 2009, Salter remained deeply involved in the game in Bristol. He devoted his time to developing young players, serving as Head Coach at Clifton RFC and later as Director of Rugby at Clifton College, helping inspire the next generation of players in the city.
“Matt’s passion for the sport and his commitment to those around him left a lasting impact across the Bristol rugby community.
“A dedicated family man who adored his wife and children, Charlotte, Isabella and Fergus.
“Everyone at Bristol Bears sends their heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family, friends and former teammates at this incredibly difficult time.”