Former England captain Chris Robshaw has revealed the heart-wrenching emotional turmoil he experienced after being brutally dropped from the national rugby squad, describing himself as an 'emotional mess' during one of the darkest periods of his career.
The Moment Everything Changed
In a candid and emotional interview, the 37-year-old rugby star opened up about the devastating phone call that shattered his international career dreams. 'I got a phone call saying I wasn't going to be involved in the squad anymore,' Robshaw recalled, the memory still clearly raw years later.
Emotional Turmoil and Professional Crisis
The Harlequins legend didn't hold back when describing his mental state following the crushing news. 'I was a bit of an emotional mess for a couple of days,' he confessed, highlighting the profound impact such career setbacks can have on even the most seasoned athletes.
Robshaw's honesty provides a rare glimpse into the psychological challenges facing professional sports stars when their careers reach critical crossroads. The former flanker, who earned 66 caps for England between 2009 and 2018, found himself at a professional dead end that left him questioning his entire rugby future.
A Career at the Crossroads
The timing couldn't have been worse for Robshaw, who was approaching what many consider the peak years for a rugby forward. Being cut from the England setup forced him to confront some brutal truths about his sporting mortality and consider options he never imagined he'd face.
'I didn't know what to do with myself,' he admitted, capturing the sense of directionlessness that often accompanies such dramatic career shifts. His vulnerability in sharing these feelings breaks the stereotype of the stoic, unemotional athlete and sheds light on the very human struggles behind the professional facade.
Legacy Beyond the Pain
Despite the emotional devastation, Robshaw's career story serves as an important lesson in resilience for aspiring athletes everywhere. His willingness to speak openly about this challenging period provides valuable insight into the mental health aspects of professional sports and the reality that even celebrated captains face moments of profound doubt and emotional struggle.
