Exclusive: One step closer, but still frustrated - Robson

Dan Robson returned from England’s Test series in South Africa as an unused tourist under Eddie Jones. The scrum-half’s inclusion in the squad had excited fans across the country who felt he deserved a shot at international level given his Premiership form for Wasps, but a first cap failed to materialise as Ben Youngs and Ben Spencer superceded him. He spoke to RugbyPass about the experience.

“Obviously it was frustrating, you feel like you’re that much closer, you’re on tour, you’re one call away from getting that opportunity. It was a frustrating time, but it was also another step closer for me, you’ve got to look at it positively. I learnt a lot from the players and coaches and that’s what you’ve got to do. I’ve got to take those learnings and put it into my game and really step on this year,” Robson said.

On his relationship with Eddie Jones, Robson continued, “He [Jones] wants to see people work for it. He wants to see people putting effort in and wanting to play for England. Being in that environment can only help you. The players are the best of the best and the coaches are the same. I just had to take as much in as possible and put it into what I need.”

Robson rejoined his Wasps clubmates after a break and although he missed some of the more unpleasant fitness elements of pre-season, he has still had to play catch up.

Robson said, “It’s good to be back. I’ve only been back a few weeks, it’s still been really tough. I’ve done a bit of separate stuff away from the lads which is never fun – watching them train and you’re running up and down the pitch. Competition for places this year is as strong as we’ve ever had. The guys coming in have really pushed that and it’s exciting. ”

While Robson hopes that he can push for inclusion in England’s autumn internationals squad, he will be hoping his form keeps attracting the attention of the England head coach. So what is he focussing on? Robson said, “Upping every bit of my game. I feel like I can give a lot more. That’s the exciting thing for me. I feel like I’ve been playing well but there’s a lot of room there just to keep moving on.”