Robshaw warning over top players’ workload
Salary cuts and uncertainty could also force moves overseas Forward says he is relieved to be going to play in the States
Chris Robshaw, the former England captain, has admitted he is relieved to be escaping the turmoil sweeping English club rugby over salary cuts, and predicts that more senior players could follow him to the United States to finish their careers in less physically demanding conditions. Robshaw, 34, who won 66 caps for England and played over 290 games for Harlequins in a 15-year stay, said that the number of games being played by top players needed to be reviewed as part of the negotiations over a new global calender. Robshaw has signed a two-year deal to join Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion. “I’m pretty pleased I’m going Stateside, that’s all I can say,” Robshaw said.
Chris Robshaw admits he feels a sense of relief to be escaping the turmoil that has engulfed English club rugby over salary cuts, and predicts more senior players could follow him to the United States to finish their careers due to the physical demands of the Premiership.
Robshaw, who has signed a twoyear deal to join Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion after 15 years at Harlequins, said the number of games the top players appeared in needed to be reviewed as part of the negotiations over a global calendar.
The 34-year-old, who won 66 caps for England and played almost 300 games for Harlequins – including captaining the club to the Premiership title in 2012 – said the prospect of a shorter season in the US would give him the chance to “stay mentally fresh and sharp in body as well”.
Having recently signed a contract extension to allow him to finish this season, which is due to restart in mid-august following the Covid-19 lockdown, Robshaw admitted it was tough for players to be asked to play what was effectively an 11-month season in light of enforced pay reductions.
“I’m pretty pleased I’m going Stateside, that’s all I can say,” Robshaw said. “The next 12 months to two years will be a very interesting time for rugby with everything going on. We have to feel our way through it. Every week we are told something different. We are going to have to be very patient with it.”
Asked if he expected more players to follow him overseas, Robshaw added: “Potentially, yes. Especially guys who are getting a bit older or guys who are a bit sore in their bodies and might not be able to play as many games.
“Everyone wants their piece of the pie, everyone wants their games, and at the moment no one is willing to budge. The number of games does need to be looked at. What the right number is, no one knows. I think the next 12 months will be an interesting time, when next season will start. But it is not for me to worry about too much.
“For me, England was a massive pull. I wanted to play for my country so I wanted to stay here and play for as long as I could for England.
“Since not being involved, that has made looking elsewhere and having another life experience a bit easier. I definitely think that [the situation at the moment] will open everything up.
“I have got a two-year deal over there. Their seasons are six months, including pre-season, which over here is 11 months or so. I am hoping that will be a lot nicer on my body.
“There are still some big boys that you have to deal with, but hopefully the intensity will drop off and it will allow me to stay mentally fresh and sharp in body as well.”
The decision for clubs to be able to finish the season playing at their own grounds, rather than neutral venues, will at least give Robshaw the chance to bow out at the Stoop, even if it is behind closed doors.
“It is going to be a little bit surreal,” he said. “I think just the opportunity to wear the shirt and play at the Stoop again will probably be emotional enough. It’s been my home for a long time.
“I’ve never known anything else properly. It will be nice. Of course, it would be nicer if there were fans there and family and friends there, but we have to address this thing. Sport doesn’t always turn out how you plan and you just have to enjoy it while you can.”
Robshaw backed the Rugby Football Union’s review of Swing Low,
Sweet Chariot, admitting he had not been aware of the song’s possible links with American slavery.
“I think it’s making people aware of things, aware of its past, and that’s always for the better,” he said. “In terms of what’s going on, I’m fully supportive of the movement [Black Lives Matter].”