Jason Robinson Interview
So Jason, what have you been up to since you retired from Rugby?
Recently I've been involved with Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard doing some coaching with some kids, which is very good, the grass roots is key to the game and it's just been great working with them. One of the main things I've been busy with as well is working for Pro Skins who do the compression wear to help you get that extra 1% wherever you can to help you recover and now I'm on the other side helping with development. It's quite strange now looking at design and fabrics, but it's been great and a different area to work in.
You joined Sale Sharks from League Side Wigan Warriors, what made you make the switch to Union and how different was it?
It was hard in a way to make the switch because I was with a very successful club with Wigan and had been brought up with Rugby League, and I didn't know much about Rugby Union. Clive Woodward played a big part, he persuaded me to come over and get into the England Team and I played in the 2003 World Cup. I felt I'd achieved so much with Wigan, but the box I didn't tick was at international level and I didn't see the [league] system at the time changing which meant I couldn't achieve the goals I was aiming for so I thought I'm 26 and still in good form, let's give it a whirl. It couldn't have gone any better.
What was it like to win the World Cup, and how did it impact on your career?
Winning that was just fantastic, we'd put so much into it and I dread to think what life would have been like not winning it. We gave every last bit of effort for that cause. I played in three world cup finals, but to actually win one was unbelievable. To play the game we did and beat Australia in their back yard was just fantastic. It changes careers, there's not many days go by when people don't talk to me about that moment, and meeting the queen, going round London in the open top bus was just unbelievable. They are great memories for me, to win a world cup final. Does it get any better?
What was it like to score the Try in the final?
It was a relief to be honest. It had been such a tense atmosphere. I was in Jonny Wilkinson's eye line, he put the ball to me and I pinned my ears back and got in at the corner. It was such a release of tension and excitement and everything else and I'd scored for England in a world cup final. It was fantastic, an amazing feeling.
You were the first man to lift a Premiership Rugby Union trophy and a Super League trophy, what does an achievement like that mean to you?
I look back now and think 'wow, that's fantastic' but at the time you don't actually seek these kind of things .The greatest thing for me is not any sort of medal, it's just being part of it. You're with lots of talents, and bringing all that together and working as team has got to be one of the greatest things. I got into Rugby because I loved it and that was the icing on the cake, you play for the team and hopefully get the results.
How did the two Lions tours you played in differ from each other?
Lions tours are so special because you get the opportunity to play with guys who otherwise you would just never play with. Playing for England is special, and playing for the Lions is really unique. On the 2001 tour, people were calling me an impact sub, but for me it was just a case of going out there and taking an opportunity. It was a win win situation, I was playing well and it was a great place to learn. It was a great environment, and an amazing experience. I shared a room with Brian O'Driscoll and getting to know the guys was great. I learnt so much about the game in a very short space of time, and its very special. Whether you're a player or a supporter, it's still a very special competition to play in, and looking back I have nothing but fond memories of both tours.
What was it like to get the England Captaincy?
I'd taken the captaincy for Sale prior to that; I'd really enjoyed it and learnt a lot from guys along the way. To play for your country is fantastic, but to be given the captaincy is just out of this world. When I was asked to do it, I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision. It's easy to say yes, but there's more to it. It's not just about you; it's about the team and leading it well. I didn't want to take something on I couldn't do. It's a fantastic opportunity to walk out there, such a proud moment and a huge responsibility. It was one of the most special moments of my career.
During the 2007 World Cup and the huge difference in the England team from start to finish, what was the mood in the camp during the weeks in France?
We had a poor run up prior to the tournament, we stumbled through the group stages and all of a sudden we got it together and it worked out nice. We played Australia, and what a great day that was, France had beaten New Zealand and all of a sudden two of the big dogs were out. We had a great win against France the following week, and unfortunately we didn't have quite enough in the final against South Africa. But getting there and achieving what we did was fantastic. Yes, you want to win every game, but even so the ways the guys responded was great. It just shows what you can do. There's a lot of doubt on the current England team, but what gives us hope is what we did in 2007. They know what they are capable of doing.
Do you think England have a good chance this year?
I think we've got a good group, the opening game will be tough against Argentina, but I'm sure they're very happy with the group they've got. Then it's knockout Rugby, they've got to do what's in their control, make sure they are ready and do what they need to do. There's a lot to draw, we always say its good to be in form going in to these competitions, but then you look at New Zealand who have failed miserably a few times. Form is good but it isn't everything, it's all about confidence. They believe they can do it, that's what's important. I saw them play Australia in November, it was one of the best games I've seen in a long time. They've just got to make it happen.
Are there any players you think will stand out in the World Cup?
You look at various teams, and see the usual culprits. There are a lot of younger lads coming through and I think the key thing is handling pressure. Playing in the World Cup is immense pressure; the great thing about it is if you can handle it there are great opportunities. Everybody is asking who's going to take it off New Zealand. They are the in form team, they're on their home soil, and with the way the likes of Carter are playing they look unbeatable. I'm sure the way some players are going there will be some surprised, and hopefully a few new stars will emerge from the competition.
How do you think Sale will do this year in the Premiership?
You just don't know. Bringing so many people together is a massive challenge, there are a lot of guys and massive changes at the club. But it's a great opportunity for the guys to get forward. They've struggled for a few years at the bottom of the table, but hopefully they'll go forward. By the end of the season they will have stamped their authority on the game and the club. Its tough for any team with new or old guys, but hopefully they'll do well in the toughest league to play in in the world.
Kyle Eastmond is joining Bath from league side St. Helens, how do you think he'll manage in the premiership?
It will be interesting, he's a very talented player who is trying is hand out in a new game. He's going to a new club, he has to be patient and hopefully he'll get his chance. We're all looking forward to seeing him play and seeing how he develops. He's got a good attitude and hopefully he'll do well. They know they've got to work hard in trying to convert some of his instincts, but there's a lot of good things happening at Bath and they have some good players so that should help in his development.
Who was the best player you played against?
I've got respect any time I come up against anybody. You have to have that respect. It's hard to pick one player who's been the best in league or union.
Are there any Trys or Games that stand out for you?
There have been many in my career, cup finals and matches like that stand out. The lions 2001 lions tour and the World Cup final are real highlights. There have been lots, but it certainly helps having great players around me as well.
What can you tell us about your clothing range with Pro Skins?
I started working for Pro Skins earlier this year. It all came about by just wearing the products. I've tried lots of different ones over the years, and this one did make a difference to recovery. I started giving the company feedback on various things, and then joined the company. It's fantastic to be able to help create and work with a company who are all about making a difference to people in the industry. If you've been on your feet all day and your legs are tired, compression is a big thing. We thought it would be good to do a range of clothing through Pro Skins and all of a sudden we had a lot of interest and we went to work. It's been good working with a designer and deciding how the clothes should look. It was good going from sports to suddenly learning about how the products should look and design and weight of fabrics, and building a brand. It takes a lot of hard work but its great. There was a time when I couldn't even afford sports clothing, so to have my own range is just a great feeling. You have to make sure you work hard and bring out things people will like. We have rugby shirts, t-shirts and other sports wear, and we're looking at clothing that is good for you and fabric that will be beneficial to sport. It's all about development, and its very interesting to be in this industry.
Where can we get the products?
You can go to the Pro Skins website, or www.jasonrobinson.co.uk. They'll be in various stores soon, at the moment they're just coming out. It's great, quite a new thing and we're just looking to get the name out there.
Have you got any future plans in Rugby?
Not at the moment with a club. I'm out with Will Greenwood doing some coaching at the moment, and I work with HSBC as an ambassador for their grass roots program. Maybe in the future I'll work with a club again, but at the moment it's just the coaching and the Pro Skins work.
