An Australian rugby player who features in international games will start studying at Oxford University soon.
Tom Robertson, 28, plays as a prop in Rugby Australia’s side and has played 31 games for the Wallabies since his debut in 2016.
Mr Robertson will be swapping the pitch for lectures and seminars next year as he was awarded a John Monash scholarship to undertake a masters in public policy at the Blavatnik School Government at Oxford.
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He already holds a Bachelor of Medical Science, a Master of Public Health and Master of Philosophy and Medicine.
Mr Roberston told Australian rugby media outlet Wallabies: "I would like to thank the Western Force and Rugby Australia for allowing me to have this sabbatical. It's not every day people come together and allow you to miss half a year of rugby.
“It’s been a dream of mine to go to Oxford for a while now to study. It’s really exciting and I am incredibly appreciative to the Monash Foundation and Dr Brett Robinson for helping fund this opportunity.”
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Mr Robertson said studying for a Master of Public Policy was about learning “how to try and get governments to give the medical system more money”.
The rugby player, who also plays for the Perth based rugby union team Western Force, said studying had helped his career on the pitch, and he said it was important to have something “to strive towards after your career”.
Mr Robertson is rehabilitating an ACL injury which he suffered against the ACT Brumbies in round 13 of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this year.
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Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “Tom is an experienced Test player who was in good form for the Western Force this year.
“His ability to play both sides of the scrum is highly valuable and we wish him all the best for a quick and successful recovery.”
Mr Robertson has played in four of the five spring 2022 tour internationals, and he scored his first Test try against Italy in Florence.
He also plays a prominent role in the Western Force’s front row and has notched up 35 caps in the West over the last three seasons and 95 overall in Super Rugby after he made his debut for the Waratahs in 2016.
Western Force head coach Simon Cron said: “Tom is a big part of our team.
“He’s a great man, we love him.
“He is an incredibly smart man, with big aspirations ahead in both his rugby and medical career.
“The team will miss him in the mix next season; however his personality, work ethic and experience will be welcomed back in 2025.”
The University of Oxford has been contacted for comment.
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