A legendary full-back for the Wallabies, Matthew Burke was a member of the undefeated Australian Schools tour to Europe in 1990/91. Earlier in his career, he played first-grade rugby for the Eastwood Rugby Club and subsequently for New South Wales. His international career commenced with selection for Australia in the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1993. That same year, Burke made his Test debut for the Wallabies, coming off the bench in a 19-12 victory against South Africa.

He participated in one more Rugby World Cup on home soil in 2003 before concluding his distinguished Test rugby career in 2004. Further extending his professional career, Burke enjoyed a successful period playing for Newcastle in the English Premiership before retiring from the sport in 2008. His indelible legacy in rugby continues to be recognized, with his induction into the Rugby Australia Hall of Fame in 2024. Looking ahead, Burke is set to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2025, an honor he will share with other prominent members of the 1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens team, David Campese and Michael Lynagh.