Meet your players! Matthew Dennis-Soto

22nd April 2026

Today we meet Matt, RCL born and raised!

Present yourself

Matthew Dennis-Soto, 28
Playing whatever gets me on the pitch - ideally 10, often 1.

What you do off pitch?

Click next slide on PowerPoint. Occasionally answer questions.
 
When and why did you join RCL?

2003, a friend at school, Josh Van Zeeland, encouraged me to come and train. His dad Alex was the coach and was a major part of the efforts to grow the RCL youth across 2003-2017 into what it is today.

How would you describe the atmosphere in the group?

Diverse. At a seniors level it is like a university club, lots of newcomers, lots of leavers, but always a good laugh. Fascinating to see so many rugby cultures blend into the “RCL” culture

Do you have a funny story or good memory you experienced in the club?

Off pitch - Sitting with Josh and other U13 teammates after the JPM tournament in 2010 and eating box after box of chocolates.
On pitch - being privileged to lead the team out after 50 1st XV caps in October 2024 was pretty special. Even better because we got the win that day.

How did your rugby journey start? 

2003-2016 RCL Juniors
2016-present RCL Seniors
2016-2019 Lancaster University RUFC
2020-2021 Oxford University RFC

But even during those studies coming back and getting stuck in at Boy Konen whenever possible.

Do you have a pre-game routine?

Chatting to a few mates helps me to relax. Visualise my first minute (kick off/kick chase) to be focused and then think about any key messages to share with the team. Other than that pretty simple stuff.

If you could be any Rugby Player, who would you be? Why?

I wouldn’t change.
I’ve admired greatly a few legends but I wouldn’t switch my pathway. For better or for worse it has developed me into the man I am today.

What’s your best memory about rugby?

The next one will be the best 😉

Tell us more about you: Your favorite meal, your favorite song, the place you would go on a trip and the celebrity you would take for a date

Lasagne
1973 - James Blunt
New Zealand is the goal one day.
No need for a celebrity, just my partner, family and a few close friends !

What is your hidden talent?

I am convinced I am the 4th best option at 10 for RCL but I think that will remain hidden - perhaps forever.

How do you see the future at RCL?

Bright !
Lots of work from volunteers across the age grades. Guidance and support from employees. Action within the club and outside in schools. It’s a great club to be a part of and I am very proud to contribute in some way to that.

What would be your advice for a future RCL player?

Go well and enjoy. What you put in is what you will get back - and in my opinion, it is worth the efforts !

Thank you Matt for the time and answers. Send him and the seniors lot of strengh for their next clash versus Berlin this weekend! 

Let's Go RCL!