Jason Robinson
In issue 41 of The Newspaper Jason Robinson was interviewed by Jonathan Wood. Here is the full transcript of that interview.
Were you a fast runner as a child?
Yes, I was very slight and no good at long distance but I was one of the fastest sprinters.
How old were you when you started playing rugby?
I was about 9 or 10
You started your career playing rugby league – how did you get into it?
A teacher at school was very keen and encouraged us to go and give it a try. I am really grateful and it has stood me in good stead ever since.
What prompted you to move to Rugby Union and play for Bath?
If I am honest the money. I was playing rugby league for Wigan at the time, it was the end of the season so they let me go to Bath on what was like a trial period . A few league players did the same. At the time I knew nothing at all about Rugby Union, it was certainly an eye opener but an experience I am glad I did.
Having played in both rugby league and rugby union how do you think the two games compare?
I think the games are very different. I knew very little about rugby union before I joined but having played it for the last 8 years I have really enjoyed it. Both games are very tough, very physically demanding but both very enjoyable.
What was it like playing in a World Cup Win in 2003?
That was just fantastic, to actually go out there to Australia and to play Australia in the final and to beat them in such a way. In the game itself we drew at full time, we played extra time we got a goal they got a goal and then we got the drop goal to win it. There was very little separating the two teams. When we won it was just sheer relief and we just felt “we’ve done it”. I have had some great feelings but that was the best, the pressure was immense, I have never been in a more pressured game ever.
The 2007 World Cup was a bit of a roller coaster for the English Fans – the team was written off, but then reached the final. What are your best memories of the event?
I have got quite a few. To lead England out against France for my 50th cap was fantastic especially as I had pulled my hamstring in the second game when it could have been all over. The South Africa match was a really hard game, they were a strong opposition but to not just be beaten but to be thrashed like we were was really hard. But we picked ourselves up again and you could start to see things coming together, defence got tighter and we started to look a better team and thankfully we did make it into the quarter finals. I was fit again and we got a great win against Australia and again against France but got beaten by a better team in the final.
What are your all time favourite memories of playing for England?
Just playing for your country is an absolute pleasure. The stage is immense and to be doing it in front of 80,000 people is a special feeling. To have captained England 6 or 8 times especially since I came into it from rugby league. To have started with very little experience of rugby union and then to be leading a team out was one of the most special things about playing for my country.
What are your favourite memories of playing for the British Lions?
2001 when I had only played for England 3 times and that was only coming on as a substitute. I didn’t know quite what to expect playing for the Lions but things went really well for me and I scored 5 tries on my debut. I remember walking out for the first match when we seemed to catch Australia off guard and we were a sea of red on the pitch. The noise of the crowd was deafening . I take great pride in being able to say that I was a Lion.
Are there any rugby ambitions that you didn’t fulfil?
No, I exceeded my expectations. I left the game with no regrets. I did everything I wanted to do and more in both rugby union and rugby league.
How do you see England faring leading up to the next World Cup in 2011?
Well that’s difficult and a long way off. The last world cup shows that it doesn’t always go on form prior to the world cup. It will be interesting to see what happens with Martin Johnson. There are certainly a lot of good players coming through the game, a lot of young talent.
Can you tell me about your new role coaching youngsters at rugby league?
It’s not just in rugby league. I am working for Gillette, which means I go to rugby league and rugby union and do some coaching and some demonstrations. Because I have played both codes I can appeal to both sports.
Who are the bright youngsters coming through now?
Cipriani and it’s a shame we haven’t seen more of David Strettle, we’ve got guys waiting in the wings for an opportunity. Look at young Wigglesworth, he just came out of the blue and has now played 3 or 4 test matches, who knows now what his future will be.
What else are you planning to do now that you have retired from playing?
I live on a farm at the moment and am doing some hobby farming. I have wanted to do this for sometime now. It is a completely different way of life. We have just got some orphan lambs so we are looking after those at the moment. I have spent so much time being in the public eye so it’s nice now to step back and take a deep breath and just enjoy other things.
Who is your sporting hero?
When I was growing up it was all the rugby league professionals like Ellery Hanley, (In 2007, he was voted as the greatest British rugby league player of all time.) Andy Gregory and Shaun Edwards. I didn’t know anything about rugby union until I started playing so it was those guys.
What did it mean to you to be awarded and OBE?
It’s a very special honour. I play rugby because I really enjoy it. After the 2003 World Cup we were all awarded an MBE, which was great. You get to see the Queen, which isn’t something you do every day, is it? to be awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours List was again something you don’t set out to do but it is nice to be recognised for what you have contributed to the sport. I will have to go to Buckingham Palace to receive the award in the next few months and that will be nice, part of my family can come with me. It is a very, very special honour.
Do any of your children show any signs of ability in rugby? Would you like them to play professional rugby?
I have got one son that plays rugby, I have got one who would probably like to play a little bit more but he is very good musically and likes the farming life. But if they want to be a vet or a pianist I think it is very important that you steer them in that direction.
What has playing rugby meant to you?
In the early days it was very important to me because I was brought up in an inner city in rough areas and it kept me off the streets and out of a lot of trouble. It’s been great for discipline, great for getting rid of a lot of the energy that you have as a young lad.
I’m 5ft 8 ins one of the smallest rugby players about. Rugby is a game where it doesn’t matter what shape you are there’s a place for you. Rugby has been a great thing for me; it has given me lots of opportunities.
Do you have any advice for our readers who would like to succeed at rugby?
You have to be very positive, work hard, there are lots of distractions for young people. You have to be prepared to go out when you don’t want to especially when it’s raining or snowing and sleeting. Rugby and sport has got to be about enjoyment and if you are enjoying something it is a very positive thing. That’s how I see it enjoyment is the key.