Before winning his first cap, Matthews took part in five Victory Internationals for Wales, including the win over France in which he was captain. Matthews played 17 Tests for Wales and six for the British &amp; Irish Lions on their 1950 tour of New Zealand and Australia. He was the team doctor for the 1980 British Lions tour to South Africa, and was a medical doctor by profession. Matthews played centre for Wales and Cardiff – forming one of the greatest midfield pairings Wales has ever had with Bleddyn Williams.