Torquay bus driver earns England honours on international rugby stage

A bus driver from Torquay is being recognised for his remarkable achievement after representing England on the international rugby stage.

Matthew Hawkins, a Leading Driver at Stagecoach South West’s Torquay depot, recently travelled to Milton Keynes to play for England Deaf RFU in a fixture against Jamaica.

Demonstrating both versatility and skill, Hawkins played at centre and on the wing in a tightly contested match. England narrowly lost 36–34 after missing a final kick in the closing moments.

His rugby commitments also extend to the regional level, having recently represented Devon in its historic and fiercely contested clash with Cornwall—one of the most prominent rivalries in the local rugby calendar.

Colleagues at the Torquay depot have praised Hawkins for his achievement, highlighting the dedication required to balance full-time work with competing at such a high level in sport.

Hawkins, who has been with Stagecoach for just over three years, previously worked in hospitality before moving into bus driving. Born and raised in South Devon, he remains a valued member of the depot team both professionally and on the rugby field.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Matthew and everything he has achieved. To represent your country at any level takes a huge amount of dedication, discipline and passion, and Matt demonstrates those qualities every day in his role with us as well.

“Balancing the demands of work with competing internationally is no small feat, and it’s fantastic to see his hard work paying off. He’s a real credit to the depot and an inspiration to colleagues across the team.”