Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson will forever be remembered as one of the heroes of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
More than two decades on from that famous night in Sydney, however, life looks very different for the former England international.
The 53-year-old has built a successful career away from the pitch, while his life outside rugby has included fatherhood, a new relationship and some frightening health scares.
Dawson remains one of the most recognisable members of England's golden generation, alongside the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.
England and World Cup hero
Dawson won 77 caps for England during a glittering international career and also represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours.
His defining moment came at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
The scrum-half started the final against Australia and played his part in the passage that eventually produced Wilkinson's famous winning drop goal.
It remains the greatest moment in England rugby history, with Sir Clive Woodward's side becoming the first – and so far only – northern hemisphere nation to win the men's Rugby World Cup.
Dawson retired from rugby in 2006 following successful spells with Northampton Saints and Wasps.
He quickly became a familiar face on television, spending years as a team captain on BBC's A Question of Sport while also working extensively as a rugby pundit and broadcaster.
Life away from rugby
Dawson has also developed a significant business career since hanging up his boots.
In 2025, the former scrum-half joined global commercial real estate company JLL as an executive director, working with strategic clients.
Speaking to CoStar about joining JLL, Dawson explained how his working life had increasingly moved into the corporate world despite many people still associating him primarily with rugby and television.
He has also operated his own consultancy, Lemon & Lime Associates.
It means Dawson's post-rugby career has been considerably more varied than simply moving from the pitch into the commentary box.
Partner and two sons
Away from work, family remains a major part of Dawson's life.
He was previously married to German-born former model Carolin Hauskeller, with the couple having two sons together before announcing their separation in 2020.
Dawson has since found love again with personal training Elizabeth Kerr, and has spoken publicly about balancing his relationship, work and life as a father.
The former England star has described himself as wearing several different hats in his post-playing life, including former international, broadcaster, consultant and dad.
Son's terrifying meningitis battle
Dawson and his family endured a terrifying period when his young son Sami became seriously ill with meningitis.
Sami was just two years old when he was rushed to hospital and left fighting for his life.
Dawson later described the experience as "two weeks of hell".
Speaking about the ordeal, he said: "When you don't know whether your child is going to survive an hour or a day, you want to be there for every single second."
Sami thankfully recovered, but the experience had a lasting impact on Dawson.
He subsequently became an ambassador for the Meningitis Research Foundation and has repeatedly used his public profile to encourage parents to understand the symptoms of the disease.
The Meningitis Research Foundation continues to provide information about the symptoms of meningitis and what people should do if they suspect someone may have the illness.
Dawson's own health scare
Dawson later faced a frightening health battle of his own.
The World Cup winner contracted Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick while visiting a London park.
The infection eventually affected his heart and resulted in Dawson undergoing multiple heart procedures.
He subsequently spoke publicly about his experience to raise awareness of Lyme disease and the potential dangers of tick bites.
The NHS guidance on Lyme disease warns that the bacterial infection can be spread to humans by infected ticks and advises people to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms after being bitten.
It was another major challenge in a life which has changed considerably since Dawson lifted the Webb Ellis Cup alongside Wilkinson, Johnson and the rest of England's class of 2003.
More than two decades later, Dawson remains closely associated with rugby – but these days his life stretches far beyond the sport that made him a household name.
