Enforcer Dalton signs with English rugby team Newcastle Falcons
IRISH import and Bond University forward Matt Dalton has finished his time with the Bull Sharks and is heading back to England to join the Newcastle Falcons for pre-season in preparation for the upcoming English Premiership season.
The 23-year-old, who stands 198cm and tips the scales at a hefty 120kg, has been a handy addition to Bond’s forward pack after previously spending time with the club in 2019.
“It’s been good personally, with this being my second time in Australia with Bond and being a bit older and knowing my way around the Gold Coast a bit better, it has been really enjoyable,” he said.
“Rugby wise has been a bit frustrating because of my knee, tearing my MCL and missing six weeks during the season was annoying, especially as I really came out here to get more game time and contribute to Bond.”
Dalton who plays in the second row or at blindside flanker added value straight off the plane for Bond making his physical prowess felt from his first game by adding some muchneeded extra weight at scrum time.
“It was a pretty seamless transition with a lot of the core guys from 2019 still around in the program,” he said.
“And the style of rugby Bond plays is very similar to what I’ve been used to so there was no hesitation or awkwardness which made it easy slotting in.’’
Dalton, a former Ireland under 20s star, is beginning to make waves in his professional career as he prepares for his second season with the Newcastle Falcons, a club with 145 years of history and some famous names including English icon Jonny Wilkinson.
“I signed a two-year deal and played a handful of games last year during my first season playing in the Gallaher premiership in the top team, so it was a pretty daunting experience but I really enjoyed the year and have grown from that,” he said.