'Strictly' finalist Dawson joins Five Live

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Matt Dawson will be joining BBC Radio Five Live as part of its rugby commentary team.

Beginning with the Six Nations on February 3, he will be a regular fixture across the summer tour to South Africa and the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Dawson was part of the England squad during the victorious 2003 World Cup and is England’s most capped scrum half.

Dawson said: "I'm delighted to be joining such a distinguished commentary team and having the opportunity to continue to participate in such great rugby tournaments. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my rugby playing career but am now very excited about broadening my experience into other areas including the media.”

Dawson is familiar face on television with credits including A Question of Sport, Celebrity Masterchef, as well as coming second on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing.

Radio Five Live controller Bob Shennan said: "It is great that Matt is joining the team. His experience of top-level rugby is second to none and he’s a great personality who is not afraid to say what he thinks about the game, which will provide valuable insight for our listeners.”