Matt Corker

Matthew Corker (born 30 November 1982) is a professional rugby union player for the London Wasps. Hailing from Broadstairs, Kent and playing rugby from a young age, Corker is on the fringes of the London Wasps 1st XV in the position of lock forward.

His early playing career began playing for Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate where he progressed up to being captain of the 1st XV. Whilst at Chatham House, he played for local rugby side Thanet Wanderers and developed his game.

After completing his A-Levels he joined the University of Bath studying chemistry and while at the University of Bath he gained international recognition with the English Universities side. His debut for England came on Sunday 30 January 2005 against Australia at Clifton RFC at Bristol. England ran out 18-11 winners and Corker completed a full 80 minutes at second row in the victory. At university Corker also played for the 1st XV in the BUCS (British Universities Sports Association) Premier Men's South Division A.^[1]

Corker, who stands at 6'6" (1.98 m) 17 st 6 lb (111 kg) played for a number of teams whilst finishing his course at university, including Havant RFC in the Powergen London League during the 2003/2004 season.

Corker joined London Wasps in the summer of 2005 on completion of his studies and made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs at The Causeway Stadium, Exeter on Sunday 7 August 2005. Corker came on as a substitute and helped the London Wasps to a 70-26 victory over their opponents in front of 2,147 spectators.^[2]

Corker has played largely for the A side in the Guiniess A League South as he continues his development and knocks on the door of the 1st XV.

On Friday 1 December 2006 Corker played in Wasps 26-15 defeat by Saracens at Vicarage Road, coming on as a second half substitute for Richard Birkett. The match, in the first round of the EDF Energy Cup marked England World Cup winning flanker Richard Hill's return for Saracens after being dogged by injuries since the World Cup victory in 2003.^[3]

Shaun Kerr is his cousin, standing at a modest 6ft and 11 stones exactly, looks up to the rugby prodigy. His comments on his cousin include, "He is brick" and "He carries the throne of the Corker family". These claims however, seldom come accepted by his peers. Shaun is a star in his own right, starring in films such as: Violence Is The Answer and Where Eagles Fly. He has also starred on stage, appearing as 'The Bookeeper' in 'The Bookshop' sketch in his sixth year show, the mandatory stage performance of the year.

All in all, the Corker/Kerr family, boasts an eclectic mix of both brawn and brain at any given social event.

References

1. ^ http://www.wasps.co.uk/playerdisplay.ink?skip=7&season=2006/2007&Playertype
2. ^ "London Wasps". Wasps.co.uk. 2009-10-05. http://www.wasps.co.uk/newspage.ink?matchid=2515&type=m. Retrieved 2011-02-14. 
3. ^ http://home.skysports.com/matchreport.aspx?fxid=312466&cpid=278

External links

• Wasps profile

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Name	Corker, Matt
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Date of birth	30 November 1982
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