We are pleased to welcome Matthew Crawford to Matthew Flinders Anglican College as our new Director of Rugby and a Secondary Health and Physical Education Teacher.
In this Q&A profile, we asked Matthew to share some of his vast experience coaching rugby and what inspires him to support young people's development and nurture a lifelong approach to fitness and wellbeing.
Matthew is part of our Flinders Director of Sport team, which features two new Directors in 2025, including Jon Pratlett as our Director of Volleyball and Kenta Shimizu as our Director of Basketball. Meet all of our Directors of Sport here.
Q: Matthew, what skills, experience and vision do you intend to bring to your role as Director of Rugby?
In my roles as Director of Rugby and Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher, I aim to bring a combination of leadership, strategic thinking and a deep lifelong passion for developing athletes, both on and off the field. My experience in coaching and understanding of player development will drive a high-performance culture, while my passion for physical education will ensure students not only improve their sporting skills but also develop lifelong habits for health and fitness. I envision creating a positive, inclusive environment where every player has the opportunity to reach their potential, emphasising teamwork, discipline and resilience.
Q: What do you enjoy about working in a school?
I really enjoy the opportunity to make a positive impact on young people’s lives, both academically and personally. Being in a school environment allows me to foster growth, not just in sport, but in confidence, teamwork and character development. The energy and enthusiasm that students bring each day make it a rewarding place to work, and I love seeing them grow, overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Q: What are you looking forward to about your new role?
I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to shape the Flinders Rugby Program and help students grow both as athletes and individuals. It’s exciting to build a strong team culture, develop player potential and create an environment where everyone can thrive. I’m also eager to integrate my passion for health and physical education into the wider school community, encouraging students to develop a lifelong love for fitness and wellbeing. Overall, I’m excited to collaborate with both students and staff to make a lasting impact.
Q: Please share some of your career journey.
I have an extensive background in both rugby coaching and HPE teaching. My most recent successes include winning the National Championships as the Head Coach NSW 2nd XV last year (I have won three out of the last five National Championships), and 1st Grade Assistant Coach for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield competition.
I also worked previously as a Head of Rugby, which resulted in the U16s winning their respective ISA competition, which was a college first, as well as all teams making it to the finals in 2023, along with the Girls 7s team coming second in the Open Girls NSW Waratahs competition.
Along with coaching other Shute Shield teams (West Harbour, Warringah Rats and Norths), and other representative schoolboy rugby teams (CHS, Sydney North), I have also worked in Head of Department PDHPE roles for over a decade, as well as Head of Wellbeing, relieving Deputy Principal, and a PDHPE Teacher, totalling over 18 years within school roles. I have a passion for rugby coaching as well as teaching HPE, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Q: What do you enjoy about living on the Sunshine Coast?
I arrived on the Sunshine Coast in early January this year along with my family. We really enjoy visiting the local beaches and exploring the region. The relaxed atmosphere here also allows for a great work-life balance, so I can spend as much time as I can with my family, and the community is both friendly and welcoming.
