Matt Dawson makes return to Question of Sport in 2026 after finding love again post-divorce
Rugby NewsWednesday, 27 August 2025 at 08:54
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
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Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.
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QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men's Rugby World Cups?
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