Dooley made his international debut on 5 January 1985 against Romania. He later established a second row partnership with fellow police officer Paul Ackford.
In 1987 he broke the cheekbone of Welsh player Phil Davies with a punch during a rough game in Cardiff.[1]
Dooley went on the 1989 British Lions tour to Australia, playing in the final two test matches. He was also part of the England team that won back-to-back grand slams in 1991 and 1992.
Dooley also went on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand, but left the tour to return home for the funeral of his father. He was replaced on the tour by the Leicester lock Martin Johnson, and decided to retire.
Since retirement, Dooley and his wife, Sharon, have run a tea room called Dizzy Ducks at Wrea Green.[2]
