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Matt Burke news leaves rugby fans saddened after brutal development for Wallabies legend

The 51-year-old has become a popular commentator and presenter on Network 10 over the years.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read

Rugby fans have expressed their sadness for Matt Burke after news emerged on Monday that the Wallabies legend had been sacked by Channel 10 after 11 years. The 51-year-old has worked as a commentator and sports presenter on Network 10 since 2013, but has reportedly been told his contract won't be renewed and he'll finish up in December.

A spokesperson for the network said in a statement: “After more than a decade, Matt Burke, sports presenter for 10 News First Sydney will be departing the network at the end of the year. Matt joined Network 10 in 2013 as an expert commentator for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia and a few months later was appointed as the permanent sports presenter for 10 News First Sydney.

Matt Burke.
Matt Burke has been working at Network 10 for the last 11 years. Image: Getty

“Matt fronted all of Network 10’s rugby broadcasts from 2013 until 2019 and was integral in the Network’s live coverage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Matt is one of the most versatile and experienced sports presenters on Australian television and his passion and enthusiasm for sports, but particularly rugby is remarkable.

“His infectious love of sport, great sense of humour and optimism will be missed in the newsroom. Matt leaves Network 10 with our sincere thanks and warmest wishes for the future.”

According to reports, the decision was made due to cost cutting. News Corp quoted an anonymous 'senior employee' of Network 10 as saying: “He’s been treated terribly. Everyone loves Matty at Channel 10. He’s the ultimate television pro and popular throughout the newsroom. We’re actually gutted.”

Matt Burke with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt (L) with Matt Burke (R) in May. (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Matt Burke, Ben Tune and Owen Finegan with the Web Ellis trophy in 1999.
Matt Burke, Ben Tune and Owen Finegan with the Web Ellis trophy after the Wallabies won the 1999 World Cup. Image: Getty

Burke is a much-loved Wallabies legend having played 81 Test matches for his country from 1993 to 2004. He was part of the side that won the Rugby World Cup in 1999, and amassed 878 points for his country. That mark is only second to Michael Lynagh’s Wallabies record of 911 points.

The 51-year-old became the first player to make 100 appearances for the NSW Waratahs, and the state's player of the year award is named in his honour. Burke remains Australia's most capped fullback in Test matches, having played 54 of his 81 games in the No.15.

He also holds the record for most individual points in Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand, with 176 points in 17 Tests. He was previously named at fullback in the Wallabies team of the decade spanning 1996 to 2005.

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Rugby fans have been left heartbroken for Burke after his sacking. Many have taken to social media to send their well-wishes. "He was excellent partnering with Gordon Bray in commentary at Channel 10 - fingers crossed there's space for him on the analyst desk (at least) at Stan," one person wrote.

Another commented: "That’s a real shame. I guess the powers at be had their reasons. Hopefully he lands on his feet on another network. Or, dare I say it, as a part-time backline Assistant Coach at the Wallabies!!"