World Cup Hero Devastated By Burglary

Rugby star's Chiswick home ransacked by thieves

Rugby World Cup star and Question of Sport Team Captain Matt Dawson, is reported to be devastated after his Chiswick home was burgled.

Thieves stole numerous irreplaceable items amongst which was the strip that Dawson wore during the cup final game in Australia 2003. Also missing is personal memorabilia collected throughout his 17 year career in addition to thousands of pounds worth of electrical items and jewellery.

Dawson's publicist, Joanna Burns, told Lifestyle Extra, "His gold medal from the World Cup is not believed to be one of the items taken, but everything else is gone."

She continued "They have taken absolutely everything he collected over 17 years - all his photos, all his memorabilia, notes from other players. It's not stuff that corporates would buy - it's all really personal stuff. He is absolutely gutted, devastated and he is desperate to get everything back. He just wants the personal stuff, his memories back - he has said they can keep anything of any value."

Five other flats in the block are understood to have also been burgled therefore it is assumed unlikely that Dawson was specifically targetted. 

Dawson has sent an appeal to the thieves to return his treasures saying: "If anyone has these or knows of anyone who has World Cup memories, I just want them back, no questions asked.  Please, please - this was a part of history I worked all my life for and all I want is them back in my possession. These are irreplaceable and of no relevance to anybody else."

April 12, 2005