2003 World Cup hero finds love again after heart surgery and divorce

Saturday, 07 February 2026 at 07:47

byRugby Rucker

hotel, supporting Kenningham as his rugby career continues to rise.

Rugby legend Matt Dawson shocked fans in 2020 when he announced the end of his 11-year marriage to Carolin Hauskeller.

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Taking to social media, the former A Question of Sport captain shared that their relationship had "taken a different path."

Despite the heartbreak, Dawson made it clear there's no bad blood — the pair remain united in raising their sons, Alex and Sami, and continue to support each other as friends.

Who is Matt Dawson?

Matt Dawson is a former England rugby union scrum-half, best known for winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

He earned 77 caps for England and captained the national team. Post-retirement, he became a popular TV personality, coming runner up on Strictly Come Dancing and notably was a team captain on A Question of Sport for over 15 years.

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 separating from Hauskeller, Dawson has found love again with personal trainer and social media influencer Elizabeth Kelly.

Known for her motivational outlook, 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.”

On International Women’s Day, Dawson publicly praised her, writing: “Around every man there are incredible women continuing to bring love, energy, wisdom, guidance, strength, truth and honesty. I can’t love you anymore than I do but I wish I could double it!! ❤️”

From World Cup glory to personal loss, serious illness and new beginnings, Dawson’s story remains one of resilience both on and off the pitch.

England’s Six Nations WAGs includes doctor and underwear model

As England’s rugby heroes take centre stage in the Autumn Internationals, all eyes aren’t just on the pitch — but on the glamorous England's Six Nations WAGs cheering from the stands.

From globe-trotting models to inspiring success stories, meet the stunning women behind England’s top rugby stars.

England's Six Nations WAGs: 2026

? Jemima Sellicks – The brilliant doctor dating Saints star Alex Coles

Jemima Sellicks, an internal medicine doctor and member of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently dating Northampton Saints standout Alex Coles.

Working at Northampton General Hospital, Sellicks brings brains to match Coles’ rugby talent, as the Saints forward continues to make waves on the pitch.

?️ Madison Woan – The Caribbean beauty dating Freddie Steward

Madison Woan, daughter of Nottingham Forest legend Ian Woan, has been soaking up the sun with England fullback Freddie Steward. The stylish brunette spent the summer in the Caribbean with her rugby beau, sharing envy-inducing snaps before the international action began.

? Beth Dolling – Model girlfriend of Marcus Smith steals the spotlight

Model and singer Beth Dolling, 25, is the glamorous other half of England fly-half Marcus Smith — and she’s every inch the fashion icon. Having worked with top brands like PrettyLittleThing, Beth often stuns her followers with chic snaps and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life with her rugby superstar boyfriend.

In one heartfelt post, she gushed: “Watching you do what you love makes me so proud.” The couple have been together since 2021 and are easily one of rugby’s most photogenic duos.

? Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s stunning model wife

England powerhouse Maro Itoje said “I do” this summer to his model partner Mimi Fall, after a romantic proposal during a trip to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi has since shared breathtaking moments from their celebrations, giving fans a glimpse into their life together — a mix of love, style and global glamour.

Henry Pollock – single and ready to mingle

The 20-year-old has been linked to a number of girls since breaking onto the international scene, but for now remains single.

? Megan Slade – Devon business boss and proud mum to Henry Slade’s kids

Henry Slade’s wife Megan is a true multitasker — a fashion entrepreneur, mum of two, and devoted rugby supporter. The couple, who married in 2022, share daughters Olive and Orli.

Megan also runs Olive & Bud, her own Devon-based children’s clothing brand, and frequently posts adorable match-day family moments on Instagram.

? Atdhetare Hoxha – The incredible refugee who found love with George Ford

Atdhetare Hoxha, wife of England fly-half George Ford, has one of the most inspiring backstories in the rugby world. Having fled war-torn Kosovo as a child, Atdhetare has built a life filled with love, strength, and resilience.

The couple married in 2022 and are proud parents to daughter Alarnia, born March 2024 — plus two adorable French Bulldogs. Atdhetare once shared: “I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. Everything we had was taken in a heartbeat.”

Her courage and success make her one of the most empowering England WAGs of all.

? Katie George – The ambitious consultant married to vice-captain Jamie

England vice-captain Jamie George tied the knot with Katie George in December 2020, just before lockdown struck. The couple had an intimate ceremony with teammate Elliot Daly as best man.

Katie is a project manager at KS TWO Consulting and manages to balance career and family life effortlessly. Jamie once admitted: “She’s working nine to five while I’m just trying to keep busy.”

?‍? Chloe Rose – Cornish sweetheart of Luke Cowan-Dickie

Chloe Rose prefers to keep things private, but the partner of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has been by his side through thick and thin. The pair share a son, Arlo, born in 2020, with Luke proudly calling fatherhood his “world.”

She may not chase the spotlight, but Chloe is a constant figure of support, often spotted cheering from the sidelines.

? Gracie Hand – The low-key student dating Fin Smith

Young love! Fin Smith’s girlfriend Gracie Hand is a student who keeps her life low-key, but the England fly-half often posts adorable photos of the couple online. Fans can’t get enough of their down-to-earth romance as Fin rises through the rugby ranks.

? Ashleigh Inwood – Tommy Freeman’s long-time love

Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for more than five years, and the pair are clearly stronger than ever. The couple recently bought a home near Northampton, and Tommy marked their anniversary with a heartfelt tribute: “Forever grateful for your support.”

In a cheeky interview, he joked about his friendship with teammate Fin Smith: “Our girlfriends think we like each other more than them!”

? Poppy Daniel – The Bristol graduate dating Quins newcomer Jack Kenningham

Harlequins star Jack Kenningham, one of the fresh faces pushing for a first England cap, also has plenty to smile about off the pitch with partner Poppy Daniel.

While she keeps a low profile, Daniel is known to be a Bristol University alum and has previously worked at The Beach at Bude