Chris Robshaw has called time on his illustrious playing career at the age of 36. 

The flanker spent the bulk of his match days running out for Premiership side Harlequins, but he left London in the summer of 2020 to join the San Diego Legion in the United States.

The legacy of excellence he leaves behind will be remembered by Quins and England fans alike for years to come. 

Robshaw came through the academy of the Twickenham-based club, first making his top-flight debut in the 2007-2008 season. He went on to feature over 300 times for them and proved a pivotal piece in the club claiming their first ever Premiership title in 2012.

His international career, which spanned 66 caps, was equally epic. 

It began with a test debut in 2009 and reached its height between January 2012 and December 2015, a stretch where Robshaw held the captain's armband.  

"After 18 years of professional rugby and a career I could only have dreamt of, I am officially announcing my retirement from the great game," Robshaw wrote in a statement released across social media. "Following three dislocated shoulders in quick succession, my body has told me to blow the final whistle. No words can do justice to how fortunate and privileged I am to have enjoyed a career in the sport I am most passionate about."

Robshaw always was the personification of professionalism, treating everyone with a respect and cordiality, which made fans from all backgrounds respect the man, and not just the player. But for Harlequins faithful, he is perhaps the most important figure in their recent history.

During his 16 years with the club, Robshaw was twice named Premiership Player of the Year. He first took the award at the end of the 2008-2009 season, but the campaign for which he will be most remembered is the 2011-2012 season, during which he reclaimed the personal honor.

In that year, Robshaw proved cataclysmic in catapulting Harlequins to the precipice of English rugby. Come the end of the season, the London club found itself in the Aviva Premiership final, with Leicester Tigers standing between them and a historic maiden title triumph.

The Tigers were a perennial winners, reaching the final for their eighth successive season. Robshaw, acutely aware of the test that lay ahead, raised his game as he led out Harlequins onto the Twickenham turf.

He went on to score a crucial try in the second half, which helped Harlequins lay claim to the greatest title in English club rugby.  

It was around this time that Robshaw was given the England captaincy, which he held for 43 games in total. During that time, England clocked a truly famous victory, toppling reigning world champion New Zealand in a spectacular performance at Twickenham, 38-21.

Was always the greatest honour 🌹 https://t.co/viGFaXCwOH

— Chris Robshaw (@ChrisRobshaw) October 21, 2022

But for all the highs, there were lows as well, the worst coming in 2015, when England hosted the World Cup. 

Much was made of the team's chances in the competition, but all that speculation came crashing down, after Stuart Lancaster's men crumbled, losing to Australia and Wales in the group stages.

The early exit lit a fire beneath all involved. Lancaster was removed from office and Robshaw was soon stripped of his captaincy.

Robshaw, ever the professional, remained part of the squad and featured in every game as England won the 2016 Six Nations Championship, clinching their first Grand Slam since 2003.

"I remember my mum taking me to my first mini rugby game - sparking the fire that led me to later play for and captain Harlequins and England," Robshaw reminisced fondly. "Playing for, and captaining, England has been the greatest honor of my life, and there is no comparable feeling to representing and leading your country.

"It was a responsibility I approached with respect, optimism and determination. I hope in the coming years, I can use my experience and knowledge gained to support other players on their journeys.

"To those fans, my final and loudest thank you. Over the years it has been you that has sat through wind, rain and snow to inspire me to dig deeper, to do better. I will miss so much about rugby, but playing in front of you and for you, will be what I miss most.

"Nothing comes close to the overriding sense of love, acceptance and support from the fans when you represent your club or your country."

After releasing this official statement, Robshaw provided another update on his plans post-retirement, announcing the formation of the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation. The charity will give disadvantaged children the chance to find motivation and inspiration through music and sport.

"Exciting new chapter ahead. Being able to help empower young lives through music and sport. Please follow and support if you can," Robshaw shared on Twitter.

Written by Stefan Frost