Gareth Chilcott

Gareth Chilcott, more popularly known as “Cooch” was born on the 20th November 1956 and was raised in Bristol.

His introduction to rugby came when he was 11 years of age and started playing at Senior School, he joined Bristol’s ‘Old Redcliffians’ junior team for whom he played for 3 years. Gareth talents were spotted and joined Bath in 1976. Together with players of the calibre of Jon Hall, Stuart Barnes, Andy Robinson and Jeremy Guscott, he helped make Bath the dominant force in English rugby in the 1980s.

Gareth’s International debut was on Saturday, 3rd November 1984 against Australia at Twickenham where England lost 19-3. His final appearance 13th May 1989 against Romania in Bucharest where England won 58-3

In 1987 Gareth earned notoriety by being one of a group of players to be suspended following a brawl with Wales in Cardiff, apparently incited by Bath teammate Hill. For a time thereafter he was labelled as being a dirty player, an unfair slur on someone who held all the game’s best traditions and values close to his heart.

Despite his Cardiff disgrace, Gareth was selected for the 1987 World Cup and played in three matches. Gareth also toured with the British Lions in 1989 to Australia.

With his famous headband and trademark moustache, Gareth has always been recognised as one of the game’s true characters. His extremely funny rugby anecdotes and stories have been enjoyed at private and corporate events all around the world.

Gareth is now recognised as a leading rugby pundit and one of the UK’s most entertaining rugby speakers.

FACT FILE:

Playing Achievements:
* Over 400 1st Team Appearances for Bath RFC * 5 League Winners Medals *
* 7 Cup Winners Medals * South & South West County Honours *
* 22 England International Caps (1984 – 1990) * British Lions 1989 (Australia)*

Television / Radio Commentary:
• ITV Sport Rugby World Cup (1991 & 1995)
• GMTV – Guest Appearances and Rugby Pundit (1994 – 95)
• ITV Sport Five Nations Coverage (1997 – 98)
• HTV – Sports Presenter, Local Sport (1991 – 2000)
• Radio Five Live! – England to South Africa – 2000
• SKY pundit for Rugby World Cup 2003

Plus various commentating for both TV and Radio throughout rugby seasons

Television Appearances Include:
Big Breakfast , Through the Keyhole, They Think its all over, You Bet
The Generation Game, Casualty, Call my Bluff, Run with the Ball
Various interviews, Good Health Guide, Chilcott’s World Cup (1995 / 1999)

Other Information:
Theatre work includes Up ‘n’ Under (1999 – Bristol Old Vic)
Starred in Pantomime – Sleeping Beauty (1995/96 – Theatre Royal, Bath)
Cinderella (1993/94 – Mayflower, Southampton)
Cinderella (1992/93 – Theatre Royal, Bath )
Author of two books – ‘Cooch’ – Mr Chilcott to you! and Gareth Chilcott’s Funny Stories