Matt Salter, who captained the Bristol Bears rugby team from 2004 to 2008, passed away on March 7, 2023, at the age of 49 due to a heart attack. He is remembered as one of the all-time greats in rugby, having led the team from relegation to a third-place finish in the league. Hundreds gathered at Bristol Cathedral for a memorial service, where tributes highlighted his toughness and leadership. Bears historian Mark Hoskins noted Salter's resilience, recalling a moment when he returned to play despite being injured. Salter's contributions extended beyond the pitch; he influenced many young people as a coach and director of rugby. His former teammate, Alex Brown, emphasized the significant loss to both the rugby and Bristol communities, praising Salter as a builder of people who sought to bring out the best in others. The memorial service celebrated a life dedicated to sport and mentorship.