Sale FC centre James Robins has become one of the club’s most experienced players, passing 100 appearances in the shirt. We caught up with him to talk about his rugby journey, early influences, and the ambitions still driving him.
Early beginnings at Waterloo
Like many players, Robins’ rugby story started young and it began as a family affair.
“My first club was Waterloo, over near Crosby on the northwest coast,” he explains. “I started there when I was about four years old, playing in the under-6s or under-7s.”
Rugby runs deep in the Robins family. His grandfather captained Waterloo during a time when the club competed against some of the biggest names in English rugby.
“My grandad was actually captain there when they were playing against clubs like Leicester and Richmond. So it was always a big family thing and that’s what got me into rugby.”
Robins stayed at Waterloo throughout his junior years, developing in what he describes as a “really strong mini and junior setup.”
“It was a brilliant club to grow up playing at.”
From scrum-half to centre
Although Robins is now known as a centre, that wasn’t always the case.
“When I first started, I was actually a scrum-half. I was quite small growing up – still quite slight now to be honest – so that suited me.”
He played there until around 14 before moving further out the backline.
“Then I moved to fly-half, which was probably my main position growing up. I played a lot of rugby there until I was about 21.”
Since then, Robins has filled several roles across the backline.
“I’ve played a bit of full-back and moved around quite a bit really. A bit of a jack of all trades, master of none.”
These days though, he feels most at home in the midfield.
“At the moment, I’d say inside centre is my favourite position. You get a bit more freedom compared to fly-half. And if I’m honest, I probably wasn’t the strongest kicking fly-half in the world, so centre suits me well.”
Career highlights?
When asked about his proudest moment in rugby, Robins pauses.
“That’s a tough question because it’s all context-related depending on where you are in your career.”
From a personal perspective, simply reaching the level he has means a lot.
“I had quite a serious injury when I was 18, and at the time I thought that might limit how far I could go in the game. So getting to play in the Championship level was something I’m really proud of.”
One particularly special memory came when he represented Cheshire at one of rugby’s most iconic venues.
“Running out at Twickenham for Cheshire was a really proud moment. Having family there and sharing that experience with good friends made it a brilliant day.”
Still chasing the big moment
Despite the personal milestones (that include Rugby Paper Team of the Season, National League Rugby’s Team of The Season 2 years running , a players’ player and a coaches player) Robins admits there’s still one achievement missing.
“I’ve never actually had the joy of winning promotion or a big final yet,” he says.
“That’s the dream.”
With the Dogs currently pushing at the top end of the National 1, that ambition remains firmly in sight.
With 5 games left of the season Sale sit (as this article goes out) in 4th, one spot outside the ascension play offs, with every point mattering.
Something dreams are made of…
Credit: Interview provided by Jonathan Birch.
You must be logged in to post a comment.