Chris Robshaw announced on Monday 3rd February that he will leave Harlequins after 16 years. The 33 year old does not appear to be finished with rugby though. He has not announced his retirement from the game, and could soon be plying his trade abroad.
🙌 #ThankYouRobbo pic.twitter.com/fU7So6JUsj
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) February 3, 2020
A one club man
Born in Surrey, around 20 miles from Twickenham, Chris Robshaw is one of a dying breed of player to represent his (relatively) local club throughout his career. He came through the club’s academy and has been at the club since 2005.
His progression came at the same time that Harlequins developed into a Premiership force, reinvigorating themselves after relegation. Robshaw was named Premiership Player of the Year in the 2008/09 season, and was made Quins captain the following year.
A career of highs and lows
Chris Robshaw has certainly experienced a vast range of situations and emotions during his a career. The 2009 ‘bloodgate’ scandal tarnished his club’s reputation and ended Dean Richards’ spell at the club.
He and the club bounced back to win the Premiership title in 2012, by which time he was captain of both club and country. Another Premiership Player of the Year award followed; he is the only player to win this award twice.
Chris Robshaw: England captain
Robshaw had an equally up and down career for England, but ultimately he can look back on 66 caps and nine years of international action with pride.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup will always be a sore spot for Robshaw, when he was captain of the England side that crashed out of the pool stages on home turf. But it is to his credit that he continued to earn a place in the team for several years after this, even though he was replaced as captain by Dylan Hartley. His character and determination cannot be in question.
Where next for Chris Robshaw?
The Guardian is reporting that Robshaw may add to the ranks of star names in Major League Rugby, with New York a possible destination. However, the US season begins next week, and Robshaw is committed to Harlequins until the end of the English season.
At 33, he has a few more years left in him, but he will bow out of the Premiership on a high, and on his own terms. A fitting end for a Harlequins club legend.
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
