Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw has signed a contract extension that will cover the end of a season delayed by the coronavirus, the English Premiership club said Tuesday.
The former England skipper announced in February he would be leaving Quins at the end of the current campaign, amid speculation he could sign for the New York side set to be involved in the United States' Major League rugby competition.
Speaking following news of his contract extension, Robshaw said: “It’s great news personally to know I will have the chance to play my final game for my boyhood club. The pandemic has affected so many aspects of so many peoples' lives, I’m just grateful to the Club for allowing me the opportunity to finish my final season with Harlequins.
For me, this is a special team, with a special fanbase to whom I owe so much. I’m confident I can speak for the entire team in saying we’re looking forward to giving our fans something to scream and shout about again after a long absence.”
Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “We are delighted we are in a position to extend Robbo’s contract to assist us as we look to finish the season, and Chris’ career with Harlequins, on a high.
“Chris is not only one of the most significant players in Harlequins’ rich history, he is a brilliant human being who deserves the opportunity to add to his 290-plus appearances and lead the team to the end of the season. He has been, and will continue to be, a superb ambassador for the game of rugby and will rightly be remembered as one of the greats."
SUBSCRIBE:
Chris Robshaw facts: 10 things you didn’t know about the England legend
Being one of the most popular players on the globe is likely to generate an incredible fan-base globally, but we are fairly confident that there are some aspects of Chris Robshaw’s life and career you are not familiar with.
1. Early life
Born the second of three boys, Robshaw had to cope with the trauma of his father's death when he was just five years old. Alan, an architect, died from a heart attack at 40. His mother, Patricia, raised her sons alone.
2. Struggles in school
The future England star struggled with dyslexia at school, but was able to release his frustation on the rugby pitch.
“Dyslexia was a huge struggle, the classroom and academic work was difficult, so my happy place, the place where I learned to grow in confidence was out at the club playing mini-rugby, going out and playing in school”,
3. His love of Arsenal
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.
4. Partner
He was engaged to his girlfriend of 6 years, Camilla Kerslake, before they married in France on 29 June 2018
5. Who is Camilla Kerslake?
Camilla is an English classical crossover singer from London. She was born in Dulwich to a Welsh mother and a Kiwi father. The singer lived in New Zealand for eight years before making a return to the UK.
6. PRIDE
Robshaw, who has a lot of gay friends, is often spotted at events, marching alongside LGBTQ rugby players in London next year.
7. Charity work
Chris has worked with a variety of different charities throughout his life, such as Macmillan, Breast Cancer Now, Canine Partners and the British Dyslexia Association.
8. Quins greatest ever player?
As Quins captain he led the side to both the Amlin Challenge Cup title in 2011 as well as the Premiership title in 2012. Along the way Chris has received many individual accolades including being named Premiership Player of the Year in both 2008/09 and 2011/12 – the only player in history to do so twice.
9. His love of cars
He's drive a number of beautiful cars down the years; includign Ranger Rovers and Mercedes.
10. Next move?
He was set to join New York before the pandemic, but that mocv is now in doubt.
