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'We can't use the changing rooms so we get changed in the bars now, all spread out'

By PA
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

The Harlequins farewell of Chris Robshaw may not be quite as he envisaged – but the club captain is just grateful to have one at all. Robshaw confirmed in February that he would be leaving Quins after 16 years at the end of the season, a month before sport was halted by lockdown.

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The former England skipper, 34, subsequently secured a move to San Diego Legion, but he was able to reach an agreement to finish the delayed Premiership season with Quins. “I was very unsure, like a lot of people, where rugby stood and were we going to get playing?” he said.

“I’m delighted to be back at the club and have this final stint. Obviously it’s going to be quite strange with no fans, no crowd, no friends and family.

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“It will be a bit unusual, but it’s also gives you the chance to finish on your terms, instead of it being cut short in a very strange way. When you get to the end of the season at least then you know that’s it, ended.

“Earlier on in the year I knew it was probably going to be my last season at the club, so you arrange things – friends and family to come to the games, all go to the pub after and have a nice send-off.

“But of course all that has changed. From a personal and human point of view it is going to be strange. But you see the level other sports have got too as well. The first couple of games might be a little bit strange. Little things like the changing rooms. We can’t use those so we get changed in the bars now, all spread out.

“You can’t do the huddles. It’s going to be unusual, but it’s like that for every club and the teams who deal with it the best are going to be the most successful.”

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Harlequins and Robshaw are back in Premiership action on Friday evening against Sale Sharks at The Stoop.

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Trevor 29 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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