Former A Question of Sport captain Matt Dawson announced in 2020 that he and wife Carolin Hauskeller had separated after 11 years of marriage.
The rugby star took to social media, stating that their relationship had “taken a different path.” Despite the split, Dawson assured fans that they remain committed to co-parenting their two sons, Alex and Sami, and will continue to support each other as friends.
Announcing their split, Matt wrote on social media: ‘We know this will be a surprise to most but after 11 years together Carolin and I have decided our relationship needs a new direction, bringing our marriage to an end.
‘The love for our beautiful boys grows stronger day by day as does our friendship as co-parents.
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‘To our dear friends please continue to support us as positively as you can for the next stage of our lives.
‘It’s vital that Alex and Sami understand that we will always be a united family.’
Matt Dawson: Rugby World Cup-winner
Dawson is a celebrated English rugby union player renowned for his agility and tactical prowess as a scrum-half. Born in 1972, Dawson earned 77 caps for England between 1996 and 2005.
He was a key figure in England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, known for his sharp decision-making and leadership on the field. Dawson also played for Northampton Saints and the British & Irish Lions.
Post-retirement, he has become a popular rugby pundit and television personality, sharing his deep knowledge of the game and passion for rugby with fans worldwide.
A Premier Signing: Sami Joins Brentford
In a proud moment for the family, Dawson’s son Sami recently signed with Premier League club Brentford.
This achievement is especially significant given Sami’s remarkable recovery from bacterial meningitis as a toddler. Diagnosed at just two years old, the illness left the Dawson family grappling with an uncertain future.
“Tackle Meningitis”: Dawson’s Campaign for Awareness
Following Sami’s recovery, Dawson has dedicated much of his time to raising awareness about meningitis. Partnering with GSK’s Tackle Meningitis campaign, he’s used his platform to educate others about the dangers of the illness.
Reflecting on that challenging time, Dawson described the harrowing experience of watching Sami in an induced coma, where the outcome was far from clear.
“You have the immediate worry and not knowing what’s around the corner,” Dawson shared. “It was mentally tough, but we’re some of the lucky few.”
Life After the Split: Dawson Moves On
Since his separation from Hauskeller, Dawson has found new love with personal trainer and social media influencer Elizabeth Kelly.
Known for her motivational posts, Kelly’s Instagram bio reads: “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
EDITORS PICKS:
On this day 10 years ago, England snatched the Rugby World Cup on Aussie soil. Let’s dive into what those legends got up to since lifting the Webb Ellis.
15. Josh Lewsey – The Everest Attempting Ex-Soldier
Full-back Lewsey was a British Army officer before turning pro rugby after just two years of service. When he hung up his boots in 2009, whispers floated he might return to the forces. Instead, he aimed higher—literally—attempting Everest, but a faulty oxygen apparatus stopped him 500 feet from the summit. Afterward, he jumped into finance at PwC and CitiGroup. But the rugby bug bit again, and in 2023 he returned as acting CEO of the Cornish Pirates before becoming Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Rugby. Fun fact: He’s half Welsh, so this return was kind of homecoming.
14. Jason Robinson – Wing Wizard & Sheep Farmer?
Robinson, cross-code star and scorer of England’s sole try in the final, retired from rugby union in 2007 but never quite stepped off the pitch scene. He coached for the Rugby Football League and Sale Sharks, dabbled in sheep farming (yes, seriously), and even returned briefly to playing with a local team. These days he’s focused on his own high-performance sports apparel line, ‘Proskins.’ Versatile on and off the field!
13. Will Greenwood – Inside Centre with a Media Makeover
Retiring in 2006, Greenwood has arguably enjoyed a second career in the media spotlight. He writes columns, analyses games on TV, appears in adverts, and is a popular figure on the after-dinner circuit. But his biggest claim to fame now? Hosting School of Hard Knocks on Sky Sports, a show tackling social inclusion by using rugby to inspire youth in deprived areas.
12. Mike Tindall – Royalty, Rugby, and Rowdiness
Tindall’s best known to the general public as Princess Zara Phillips’ husband, but he’s still very much in the game, playing for Gloucester and coaching youngsters. His England career ended post-2011 World Cup—marred by controversy after being fined £15,000 for throwing a dwarf in a bar (a bizarre incident dubbed ‘dwarf-gate’). He now co-hosts the very successful The Good, The Bad and The Rugby Podcast.
11. Ben Cohen – The 6’2” Gay Icon & Dancing Star
Retired in 2023, Cohen had already founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation to fight bullying, focusing heavily on combating homophobic abuse. His advocacy has earned him ‘Ally of the Year’ from gay magazine Attitude—pretty impressive for a 6’2” ex-winger! He’s also a fan favorite on Strictly Come Dancing, proving his moves aren’t limited to the rugby pitch.
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