Former Harlequins captain looks ahead to a new chapter

IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 Land Rover Photocall

Chris Robshaw, a redoubtable leader for both England and Harlequins, has announced his retirement after a distinguished 18-year career. An injury-affected final season with the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby prompted the industrious back row forward to hang up his boots.

Robshaw made 300 appearances for the London-based club, becoming only the second player to reach that milestone, leading Harlequins in a memorable premiership-winning campaign in 2011/12, and twice being crowned Aviva Premiership Player of the season. He also lead Harlequins to European success, winning the Challenge Cup in 2010/11.

His talent and leadership were recognised at the highest level as Robshaw represented his country on 66 occasions, including the most England appearances as captain (43) of any player in the Professional era.

Reflecting on the news, Christian Abt, Managing Director of CSM’s Talent team, said: “It has been a great honour for us as a business, and me personally, to support Chris throughout his playing career.”

CSM has represented Robshaw since he first joined Harlequins, straight out of school, back in 2005, and will continue to do so as he explores opportunities after rugby.

Abt continued, “His industrious, positive, and selfless approach to the sport, both on and off the field, through memorable highs and challenging lows, made him a fine player and role model. It is these same attributes, of humility and hard work, which give him every chance of replicating his on-field success, beyond it. This new narrative is one that we are thrilled to be helping him craft.”

Commenting on his retirement, Robshaw said, “I feel incredibly privileged to have experienced what I have across my career, including the greatest honour of my life in captaining my country. However, my body let me know that it was time for a change, and I hope now to take the same optimism and determination that I took to my playing days, to my future.”

Central to this next chapter will be the evolution of his already wide-ranging charitable endeavours, with the creation of the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, which he has set-up in partnership with his wife Camilla Kerslake, the popular English classical singer.

Speaking of the Foundation, Robshaw said, “Both Camilla and I appreciate how valuable music and sport have been for both our physical and mental wellbeing. It is why we feel so passionate about giving opportunities to experience the joy of these two creative and social outlets to children, no matter their background.”

Find out more about the Foundation, getting involved, and information on the upcoming inaugural dinner at the Hurlingham Club, London on 30th November 2022, here: kerslakerobshawfoundation.com.