Chris Robshaw used rugby to release bottled anger as a child after death of his father, reveals England captain's mother

  • Alan Robshaw died at 40, with son Chris just five at the time
  • Chris Robshaw has gone on to captain England and is a key man in Stuart Lancaster's World Cup bid
  • His mother, Patricia, revealed how rugby helped the youngster 

By Jack Gaughan for MailOnline

Published: 05:07 EST, 24 September 2015 | Updated: 10:51 EST, 24 September 2015

Being able to ‘bash about on the rugby field’ gave a young Chris Robshaw an outlet for his anger after the death of his father, the England captain’s mother has revealed.

Robshaw was only five when Alan, an architect, died from a heart attack at 40. The future England star then struggled with dyslexia at school.

It left Robshaw a heated youngster, with Patricia Robshaw detailing just how rugby helped her son.

Chris Robshaw with his mum Patricia and girlfriend Camilla Kerslake before the World Cup

Chris Robshaw with his mum Patricia and girlfriend Camilla Kerslake before the World Cup

England captain Robshaw used rugby as an outlet for his anger as a young boy after his father's death

England captain Robshaw used rugby as an outlet for his anger as a young boy after his father's death

Robshaw will skipper Stuart Lancaster's side when they take on Wales at Twickenham this weekend 

Robshaw will skipper Stuart Lancaster's side when they take on Wales at Twickenham this weekend 

England were put through their paces at Pennyhill Park in Surrey on Thursday morning 

England were put through their paces at Pennyhill Park in Surrey on Thursday morning 

‘After his father died, he needed something to put his exuberant energy into,’ she told the Telegraph.

’He was finding it quite difficult at school. His dyslexia was becoming quite apparent then, and he needed to vent his frustration. He had quite a stubborn, domineering streak, and it was very good for him.

‘I think he was quite angry. It's quite difficult for a child to express their feelings sometimes, and in that way he could vent his feelings without being seen to be a troublemaker. He could go out and have a good old bash about on the rugby field quite legitimately.’

Robshaw has gone on to make a huge impact at Harlequins over the last decade and been handed 40 caps for his country.

His presence has drawn plaudits from all corners, but none more striking than from Wales’ Sam Warburton.

‘When I see Chris Robshaw play he’s very deceptive because he has really nice handling skills,’ Warburton said.

‘I see him link up a lot, he carries and off-loads. He probably does that a lot more than me to be honest. Whenever I play against him, he’s hard on the ball and you couldn’t ask any more from a work-rate point of view. He makes his tackles and gets on the ball.

‘I think he’s a top quality seven and comes in for some unfair criticism because whenever I see him I’m always impressed with him.’ 

Robshaw's mother, Patricia, has said her son was helped by the presence of rugby when he was younger

Robshaw's mother, Patricia, has said her son was helped by the presence of rugby when he was younger

 

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