Matt Dawson Back on ‘Question of Sport’ in 2026 After Finding Love Post-Divorce

Rugby News
Wednesday, 22 October 2025 at 09:29
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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.
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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.”

Question of Sport return:

Dawson is returning to Merseyside with Sue Barker, and Phil Tufnell as Sue, Matt & Phil Live! The Reunion Tour confirms a new set of UK dates for 2026.
This much-loved trio from iconic TV quiz show Question of Sport will be back in April and May, ready to entertain audiences – and put their sporting knowledge to the test – all over again.
The tour kicks off in Edinburgh on April 24, before heading to Glasgow, Newcastle, Stoke, Sheffield, Cardiff, Liverpool, Eastbourne and Southend, and rounding off with a finale in Portsmouth.
Audience members will even have the chance to pit their sporting knowledge against Matt, Phil and their teams without leaving their seats.
Fronted by Sue, with team captains Matt and Phil, the show thrives on the trio’s trademark chemistry, quick-fire banter, and easy charm – qualities that have made them firm favourites with viewers for years.
Alongside the laughs and competition, expect behind-the-scenes stories from their on-screen days and career highlights – the kind of tales you won’t hear on TV.
Matt Dawson said: "I can’t believe we get to have another crack at this! Last time was such a blast, and now we get to take the show to even more corners of the UK — I can’t wait!"
Phil said: "Hitting the road again with Sue and Matt? Always a giggle. No two nights are ever the same as you never quite know what’s coming next, and that’s half the fun!"
Sue added: "We were just blown away by the amazing reaction to the shows earlier this year. Honestly, the three of us had such a wonderful time together. We can’t wait to do it again!”
Sue, Matt & Phil Live! The Reunion Tour is at the Liverpool Empire on May 10. 
Tickets available at www.myticket.co.uk

Rugby’s Power Couples: The Top 20 Stars and Their Partners (Ranked 20-1)

From rugby royalty to new-generation icons, these 20 power couples prove that love and success go hand in hand.
Whether they’re lifting trophies, breaking records, or lighting up red carpets, these duos are redefining what it means to be a rugby partnership in 2025.
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White & Jodie Burridge

Scotland’s fiery scrum-half and British tennis ace Jodie bring the heat wherever they go — sporty, ambitious, and full of energy.

19. George Ford & Atdhetare Hoxha

England’s composed fly-half and his elegant fiancée keep things classic and classy. A quiet power couple in every sense.

18. Maro Itoje & Mimi Itoje

Understated, intelligent, and effortlessly cool. England’s cerebral lock and his stylish wife keep the spotlight where it belongs — on excellence.

17. Joe Marchant & Hollie Shearer

A rugby star meets football royalty’s daughter — the son-in-law Alan Shearer didn’t know he needed! A fun, media-friendly modern pair.

16. Marcus Smith & Beth Dolling

England’s flair player and his model-singer girlfriend bring fashion and flair to the rugby world. A young couple with superstar potential.

15. Simon Easterby & Sarra Elgan

Ireland’s forwards coach and the Welsh presenter are a rugby broadcasting dream team — brains, beauty, and a shared love of the game.

14. Finn Russell & Emma Canning

The Scottish playmaker and his multi-talented heptathlete partner are electric — charm, cheek, and competitiveness rolled into one.

13. Eben Etzebeth & Anlia van Rensburg

The Springbok enforcer and South African singer-songwriter embody raw passion and power — rugby grit meets glamour.

12. Brian O'Driscoll & Amy Huberman

Still Ireland’s golden couple. The legendary centre and the beloved actress have long mastered the art of fame, family, and fun.

11. Dan Carter & Honor Carter

New Zealand’s ultimate glamour pair. Two sporting stars, one golden legacy — and still the blueprint for “couple goals” in rugby circles.

10. Richie McCaw & Gemma McCaw

The GOAT himself and an Olympic hockey star — humble, heroic, and still New Zealand’s most admired pairing.

9. Johnny Sexton & Laura Sexton

The Irish legend and his wife Laura have been together through every phase of his glittering career. A partnership built on loyalty and love.

8. Jonny Wilkinson & Shelley Jenkins

The man who won England the 2003 World Cup — and the woman who helped him find peace after it. Calm, grounded, and utterly iconic.

7. George North & Becky James

A Welsh rugby great and an Olympic medalist cyclist — the ultimate all-athlete duo. Fast, focused, and family-first.

6. Sarah Bern & Mackenzie Carson

Red Roses icons and 2025 World Cup champions. Together, they’re redefining what it means to be a power couple in modern rugby.

5. Mike Tindall & Zara Tindall

Rugby meets royalty — literally. From Cheltenham to the royal box, the Tindalls remain Britain’s best-known sporting sweethearts.

4. Abbie Ward & Dave Ward

England lock Abbie returned from motherhood to win the 2025 World Cup — alongside her coaching husband, Dave. The ultimate rugby family success story.

3. Andy Farrell & Colleen Farrell

Ireland’s head coach and his wife Colleen are rugby royalty — and the parents of England captain Owen Farrell. That’s sporting legacy on another level.

2. Antoine Dupont & Iris Mittenaere

France’s superstar scrum-half and former Miss Universe make one of the most glamorous couples in sport. Dupont’s brilliance meets Iris’s global fame — a blend of beauty, brains, and blue jerseys.

1. Marlie Packer & Rosie Galligan

World Cup winners, teammates, and trailblazers. The Red Roses duo top our list for their passion, pride, and power — both on and off the field. The ultimate rugby power couple of 2025.
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