Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has revealed he spiralled into depression after England's disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, where they became the first host nation to be eliminated at the pool stage. The 34-year-old, who earned 66 caps for his country, spoke candidly about the emotional turmoil he experienced following defeats to Wales and Australia.
In an interview with the My Sporting Mind podcast, Robshaw described the tournament as both the proudest and darkest time of his life. He recalled the crushing 28-25 loss to Wales, where his decision to go for a lineout instead of a kickable penalty ultimately backfired, leading to England's elimination. 'I was hugely depressed,' he said. 'I went back to the room and just held my wife and we cried. I became a bit of a recluse.'
Robshaw credited support from his wife, friends, and former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, who emailed him saying, 'The sun will come up again.' He also recalled meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace shortly after the tournament, where he felt pitied by other captains. South African coach Heyneke Meyer told him, 'You're too strong to let this affect you.'
The former Harlequins star, now set to join San Diego Legion, said the experience left a scar but also helped him support others, including teammate Kyle Sinckler after the 2019 Six Nations. He eventually found closure by beating Wales in the 2016 Six Nations and winning a series in Australia later that year.
