News / Matt Salter
Former Bristol Rugby captain dies aged 49
Tributes have been paid to former Bristol Rugby captain Matt Salter, who has died at the age of 49.
The towering 6’4″ flanker was a much-loved figure in the city’s rugby scene, enjoying two spells with Bristol before dedicating much of his later career to developing young players in the region.
Bristol Bears led the tributes, describing him as a “legendary” captain.
In a statement the club said: “Bristol Bears is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary former captain Matt Salter at the age of just 49.”
Matt Salter led Bristol Rugby back into Premiership in 2004/5 season – photo: Bristol Bears
Across his two spells with Bristol, from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2009, Salter made more than 150 appearances for the club, playing primarily as a flanker or lock before ending his professional career in 2009.
Salter began his senior career with Blackheath F.C. during the 1995/96 season before spells at West Hartlepool R.F.C. and Bristol, then known as the Bristol Shoguns.
During his first stint with the club he made 72 appearances between 2000 and 2003.
He then joined Leeds Tykes, where he made 17 appearances, before returning to Bristol in 2004 despite still having two years remaining on his contract.
Rejoining a side being rebuilt under former England player Richard Hill, Salter was appointed captain.
His second spell proved one of the most significant periods in Bristol’s modern history.
Leading the side through a rebuilding phase following relegation, Salter captained the club to the National Division One title in the 2004/05 season, securing promotion back to the Premiership.
The club continued to build under his leadership for four seasons, consolidating their top-flight status before enjoying a standout campaign in 2006/07, finishing third in the Premiership and qualifying for the Heineken Cup.
In his tenure as head coach at Clifton RFC, Matt Salter guided the club to promotion in the 2024/25 season – photo: Clifton RFC
At the peak of his career, Salter was named captain of the Guinness Premiership Dream Team in 2006.
His powerful performances at Memorial Stadium, the “Mems”, are still remembered by supporters, many recalling him in a Bristol shirt emblazoned with Bass sign.
After retiring, Salter remained deeply involved in the Bristol rugby community. He served as head coach at Clifton RFC, helping guide the club to promotion to National One in the 2024/25 season.
He also worked as director of rugby at Clifton College, where he helped develop the next generation of players.
Clifton RFC paid tribute, saying: “Matt was a hugely respected figure in the Bristol rugby community.
“An iconic player for Bristol Rugby, where he captained the club for four seasons and was named captain of the Guinness Premiership Dream Team in 2006, he also played professionally for London Broncos and Leeds.
“Following his playing career, Matt dedicated himself to developing the next generation of players, serving for many years as head coach at Clifton RFC and as director of rugby at Clifton College.”
National League Rugby also paid tribute, describing him as an “iconic” figure.
In a statement it said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Salter’s death.
“Matt was a massively respected figure within the Bristol rugby community and dedicated much of his life to the game and to developing players across the city.
“An iconic player for Bristol Rugby, Matt captained the club for four seasons while he also represented London Broncos and Leeds.”
Matt Salter (far left) took part as a guest speaker at walking charity Walkers and Talkers – photo: Walkers and Talkers
Generous with his time and committed to supporting good causes, Salter also took part in the Walkers and Talkers initiative as a guest speaker. The community charity was founded by the former Gloucestershire cricketer Andy Brassington to bring people together through weekly walk and talk sessions.
Main photo: Bristol Bears
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