Robertson might be one of the biggest names in world rugby, but outside of the day-to-day running of the Crusaders, it’s the progression of his local Sumner colts side playing on the back of his mind.
This comes to fruition on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when Robertson finishes his day with the Crusaders at Rugby Park and heads to colts training to help the Sumner teenagers in what he describes as a technical adviser role for the team.
“I’m just giving back,” said Robertson.
In the past, Sumner have tried, but failed, to establish and maintain a colts side - which is crucial for the development of players out of secondary school before moving to premier grade.
Robertson had the same pathway to achieve his dreams as a teen at the Mt Maunganui club before moving south.
He now hopes Sumner will be able to offer the same opportunity for its local players.
“That’s what I would like, the opportunity for one of the local boys from Sumner to have what I had and be given a pathway to achieve what they can and play for Canterbury, Crusaders and the All Blacks.”
“Colts grade is tough. We know the participation rates in rugby is an area that needs attention and it’s a real challenge for us.
“Being involved is just what anyone would do for their club, just to keep to connected with the young players because we know how important they are for our game,” said Robertson.
It’s easy to see Sumner has a special place in Robertson’s heart.
He has lived in the seaside community for 20 years and began his coaching career with the club.
He was a player coach for the club’s top side and after undefeated division two campaigns in 2008 and 2009, they gained promotion to the premier competition for the first time in 2010. He coached the side to a debut sixth-place finish before concentrating on his role with Canterbury at the time.
His passion for the colts side has already rubbed off on some of its players. First-five Ollie Lewis played his junior rugby at Sumner and now after five years at Christchurch Boys’ High School – which included playing for New Zealand Schools last year – is returning to his boyhood club with the Storm.
“We just had a little get-together the other week and he was really passionate. I think all the boys thought, hang on, this is something else. It’s pretty cool to have him come along and show how much passion he has for the club,” said Lewis.
“I don’t think too many clubs have a Super Rugby coach coming down to training.”
The 18-year-old was part of a very strong junior side also called the Storm several years ago.
Lewis says the side spent four years together and could count the amount of losses they had on one hand. The boys then departed for secondary school and many eventually played first XV rugby.
However, five years ago somewhat of a pact was made to re-group in 2020 and get a colts team running.
“We always wanted to come back and play for Sumner,” said Lewis.
The side is coached by Gareth D’Almeida who was a player under Robertson’s reign with the club’s premier side.
“It’s been a long time in the making,” said D’Almeida.
“There’s a good core group of them that played junior rugby together for Sumner. They would have been eight or nine. They’ve had Storm 2020 gear for the last three years. That’s always been to finish school and aim for 2020.
“If you don’t have colts, you don’t have a pathway. They go to first XV, but where do they go from there? If you’re a sharp half-back or first-five you might go straight to div one, but ideally they want to play premier colts for a year and go from there.”
“Razor’s been involved with that right through the years as well. He’s certainly there to help . . . he’s just keen to see it get off the ground,” said D’Almeida.
“If you’re a budding young rugby player and you’ve got the Crusaders head coach cruising around, it’s absolutely a big drawcard and equally he could have been the All Blacks coach.”
Robertson says his involvement with Sumner is just one aspect to his values of wanting to give back to grass roots rugby which he fondly remembers growing up. He also expressed he has and open door policy for coaches from club rugby to come into the Crusaders and up-skill.
“Grassroots rugby is the lifeblood of communities and the spirit of our nation, so everyone’s got their little part to play,” said Robertson.
“I think it’s key that everyone has a role in their club. I just see the role in my club as connecting people and to get people to continue their love for rugby.”