It’s a good time to get out of English rugby
USA-BOUND ROBSHAW FEARS FOR OUR GAME
CHRIS ROBSHAW senses he is escaping English rugby at just the right time as the veteran flanker prepares to swap domestic discord for surfing in San Diego.
The former England captain has taken a back seat as battle lines have been drawn between hard-up clubs and insecure players over pay cuts, knowing his next two years will be spent across the Atlantic in Major League Rugby.
With the Premiership teams and their French Top-14 allies at the centre of another row with World Rugby over a shift in the calendar, Robshaw feels he is getting out at the ideal moment – and that others may follow.
“I’m pretty pleased I’m going Stateside – that’s all I can say,” he says. “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.
“Since not being involved, that has made looking elsewhere and having another life experience a bit easier. I definitely think the current situation will open everything up.
“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.”
With England second-row George Kruis, above, headed east to Japan, what were once regarded as backwater rugby outposts are beginning to attract some significant names.
For Robshaw, the lure of escaping the Premiership slog for a shorter season with the San Diego Legion is another reason for his impending switch. “The number of games does need to be
looked at,” said the 34-year-old. “Their seasons are six months, including pre-season, where over here it is 11 months, so I am hoping that will be a lot nicer on my body.
“I’ve been told to get a surf board ready. Every afternoon they go for a surf. If the sharks are bigger than the board, get out; if not, it’s fine.That’s their motto.”
Robshaw, who needs eight more appearances to reach 300 for Harlequins, has pledged to finish the current campaign before he departs.
It will be a quiet farewell to his only professional club behind closed doors. But, with the Premiership coming round to the idea of using all 12 grounds rather than only one or two following football’s successful restart, he should at least be able to say goodbye at the Stoop.
“It is going to be a little bit surreal but just the opportunity to wear the shirt and play at the Stoop again will probably be emotional enough for sure,” he said. “It’s been my home for a long time. I’ve never known anything else.
“Of course it would be nicer if there were fans there and family and friends, 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.”