What to watch in women’s rugby: PWR pace-setters Saracens host champions
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Alex Matthews ![England Womens]()
England Womens
Nationality 
Age
31
Position
Back Row
Height
173cm
News
Latest
England sluggish, Matthews and Leti-I'iga bring energy to Allianz Stadium
Coventry sign dual qualified ex-Wasps centre Tommy Matthews
Womens Six Nations
Exclusive
Alex Matthews: 'Letting dad be a part of it all, that’s what means most'
Alex Matthews' 'best yet' prediction on England and the Six Nations
International
Interview
'At the break down it's about being a nuisance, being more like Packer!'
England power to victory over France with dominant second-half display
Bio
A well-known name in English rugby union, Alex Matthews plays flanker for Gloucester-Hartpury Women. Her international career began in 2011, when she debuted for the senior team. She currently represents England in women's sevens and 15s.
Born on 3 August 1993, Matthews' rugby career started when she was a toddler. She began playing rugby at the age of three and subsequently trained with the boys' U12 team at Camberley.
In 2014, Matthews graduated from Roehampton University with a degree in sports psychology. She was playing for the England sevens team at the time and turned professional while completing her studies.
During the same year, Matthews underwent major hip surgery. A dedicated and conscientious player, she returned to the England 15s setup just two weeks prior to Rugby World Cup selection. As a result, she was chosen to represent England at the tournament.
She made an appearance in the final against Canada, winning the match 21-9. This victory made Matthews one of the youngest England players to lift the Rugby World Cup trophy. In fact, she celebrated her 21st birthday while in camp.
Matthews made the squad once more in 2017 and played every single match during the Rugby World Cup. She was also named Player of the Match after England's game against the USA. One year later, she competed in sevens during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she took home bronze.
Fast forward to 2020 and there were two big milestones in Matthews' career. First, she left Richmond and joined Worcester Warriors; second, she won the 2020 Women's Six Nations. One year later, she was selected to represent England at the 2021 Rugby World Cup. Her crowning moment occurred during the quarter-finals, where she scored a try in England’s victory against Australia.
Since then, Matthews has claimed three back-to-back Grand Slam titles (2022, 2023 and 2024). She was also named in the World Rugby Dream Team in 2022 and 2023.
An exceptional flanker, Matthews continually holds herself to the highest standards. With the 2025 Rugby World Cup approaching, we’re looking forward to seeing what she does next.
