Former England captain Chris Robshaw has landed his first new role since retiring from rugby, and it is something very different.
The flanker had been playing for San Diego Legion in the United States since leaving Quins in the summer of 2020, after 16 years at the club.
He won 66 England caps and was captain in 43 of those appearances.
The 36-year-old is now working part-time for Gallagher, who are the principle sponsor of the English Premiership.
Robshaw led Harlequins to their first Premiership title in 2012 and played 300 times for the club. He was twice named Premiership Player of the Year.
"After 18 years of professional rugby and a career I could only have dreamt of, I am officially announcing my retirement from the great game," Robshaw said.
"Following three dislocated shoulders in quick succession my body has told me to blow the final whistle.
"No words can do justice to how fortunate and privileged I am to have enjoyed a career in the sport I am most passionate about."
Following his first day at work, he wrote on Linked In: "Enjoyable first day learning the ropes with Karen Ellis & the Gallagher team. I look forward to joining them 2 days a week as I move into the next chapter of my life."
Robshaw currently has a number of other ventures, which includes being a board member for Dress 2 Kill Ltd, a co-owner of Zeus Events and a co-owner of Josies Coffee Shop.
Josies is a family-run group of independent coffee shops serving specialty coffee, tea, smoothies and all day breakfast and brunch.
Their aim is simple: to provide freshly made, well sourced food and drinks in a space that is inviting and approachable.
Chris Robshaw facts:
- Robshaw had to cope with the trauma of his father’s death when he was just five years old
- The future England star struggled with dyslexia at school
- He was engaged to his girlfriend of 6 years, Camilla Kerslake, before they married in France on 29 June 2018
- Robshaw, who has a lot of gay friends, is often spotted at events, marching alongside LGBTQ rugby players in London next year
- Boyhood Arsenal supporter Chris Robshaw welcomed England’s red wine change strip in 2012 – because it looks like the kit once worn by his Gunners heroes.
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The other jobs of England’s best Six Nations rugby players
Everybody needs a backup plan, and these English rugby players have already put things in place for after their careers
Life as a professional rugby player is a fragile existence, in many ways.
It's a lucrative career that offer up many extraordinary experiences but you are always one injury away from it all being over.
As such, it is important for players to be preparing for life after the jersey.
Here are some of the jobs England's top players have away from rugby...
#1. JACK NOWELL - CLOTHES & PUB
The England and Exeter Chiefs winger is the co-owner of The Swordfish Inn back in his hometown of Cornwall. Sitting on the harbourfront, the pub has been a favourite of local fishermen, artists and visitors alike for as long as anyone cares to remember and is well-known for its rugged charm and atmosphere. He is also a director of .
#2. JAMIE GEORGE - PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Carter & George practice clinic, which offers first-class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, is the joint venture of George and experienced physiotherapist and best friend Rhys Carter.
#3. GEORGE KRUIS - FOURFIVECBD
It was from personal experiences with recovery from injuries that Kruis discovered cannabidiol (CBD) and from their positive reactions with the product he set up fourfivecbd – a range of balms, oils, gels and capsules that incorporates CBD. Their products are now sold in Next and on their website here.
#4. MARO ITOJE - PODCASTER
He launched the podcast series Pearl Conversations, which featured prominent Black role models. He is also a supporter of the educational charity The Black Curriculum, which is focused on introducing more Black British history into the UK curriculum.
He has also done a lot of modelling, which includes shoots for Ralph Lauren and Marks & Spencer this year.
#5. MANU TUILAGI - ALCOHOL
Making a Tuilagi Gin was often talked about in the early hours of the morning by the brothers after many gin and tonics. As there are fifteen players on the rugby pitch, they have added fifteen botanicals to their gin. Some of the botanicals they use in their recipe are; Juniper, Coriander, Orris, Sage, Thyme, Mac cloves, Lavender, Rose and Orange peel.
