Western Force prop Tom Robertson has departed Perth headed for the United Kingdom for his sabbatical year studying at Oxford University in 2024.
The 29-year-old front rower’s sabbatical was announced alongside a contract extension until the end of the 2025 season in May shortly after suffering an ACL injury against the ACT Brumbies in Round 13 of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season, meaning he will return to the Force.
The 31-time Wallaby, however, flew out of Perth for Oxford this week, where he will undertake a Master of Public Policy at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government.
“I’m heading over to the UK tonight to take my sabbatical over in Oxford,” Robertson said.
“I’m really looking forward to the 2024 season, I’ll be watching intently from a distance. I’ll see you guys again in 2025.
“Thanks so much for your help over last three months with my knee, it’s been great to have so much support.”
Robertson currently holds a Bachelor of Medical Science, Master of Public Health and a Master of Philosophy-Medicine and has been awarded a John Monash Scholarship to undertake the Master of Public Policy at Oxford.
At the time of May’s announcement, Force head coach Simon Cron wished Robertson well.
“Tom is a big part of our team. He’s a great man, we love him,” Cron said. “His versatility to cover both loosehead and tighthead is a huge asset to our squad.”
“He is an incredibly smart man, with big aspirations ahead in both his rugby and medical career. The Force will miss him in the mix next season; however his personality, work ethic and experience will be welcomed back in 2025.”
Safe travels Tom 🤝 Tom Robertson has left Force HQ for Oxford University to take the next step in his career 🏉 We’re going to miss him that’s for sure, and we can’t wait to see him back home again in 2025.
Posted by Western Force on Wednesday, September 20, 2023
