Jason Robinson

Jason Robinson is widely regarded as a legendary sportsman, who mastered the art of playing Rugby in both the Rugby League and the Rugby Union and was the first Black British man to Captain the England Rugby Team. Renowned for his trademark sidestep, speed and ability to defeat defenders, Jason initially began playing rugby for Wigan, before playing for Bath, Sale Sharks, Fylde, the England National Team and the British & Irish Lions. Across the course of his illustrious career, Jason played an impressive 281 games, solidifying his name in the history books of the sport with an incredible 171 tries - having also been appointed MBE and OBE. Having since retired from professional sports, Jason is now the Founder of JR Talks and JR Sports Stars, inspiring people from urban city underprivileged communities to achieve their life goals and increase their confidence.

Talent spotted whilst playing for Hunslet Boys Club, Jason’s illustrious rugby career began playing for Wigan. During his time at Wigan, Jason was a pivotal player in their victories of a Super League title, three Challenge Cup titles, three Regal Trophy wins, four Championships and four Premiership titles. Having also played as the Captain of Sale Sharks, Jason was able to help the team place third in the tables, win a European Challenge Cup, reach the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup and win the 2005 Guinness Premiership final. Having played 159 games for Sale Sharks and achieved an impressive 248 points, Jason’s talent also earned him a spot playing for England, Great Britain and the British Lions – having played in three World Cups, scored England’s only try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup and been capped five times for the Lions. Across the course of his England career, Jason scored an impressive 28 tries in 51 caps and was also the Captain of the England National Team in 2004.

Jason is now a leading keynote speaker – having been voted one of the world’s best social mobility speakers. Having grown up in an abusive family in a poor part of Leeds, Jason was witness to horrific domestic abuse throughout his childhood, and was the first to have a job in his family at the age of 16. Jason inspires all with his personal experiences of overcoming adversity, having forged his success in an industry where private schooling is prolific with no qualifications, talent-spotted training in his older sister’s hand-me-down clothing and shoes, navigated childhood being the only Black member of his family and not meeting his father until he was 36 years old. Having struggled to find his place not only within his family, but society too, Jason reached his lowest point in life whilst securing 6 figure contracts and winning World Cups – having attempted suicide and experienced suicidal thoughts. Such experiences have inspired Jason to become a vocal advocate for mental health, racism, abuse, diversity and inclusion. In recognition of his prominence, Jason has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards.

Today, Jason shares his story with his company JR Talks, motivated to build mental resilience in all walks of life. Having navigated finding his own place in society and authored Finding My Feet, Jason is hired not only to share how he forged his inspirational success as a prolific rugby player, but his personal experiences of adversity and how he forged mental resilience to overcome such adversity. A passionate and powerful speaker on social mobility, diversity and inclusion, Jason emphasises the true importance of equality – no matter a person’s background or circumstances. Jason is also a passionate advocate for racial equality. If you are looking for a passionate advocate on social mobility, racial equality, diversity, inclusion and building resilience, don’t hesitate in hiring Jason Robinson today.

In April 2023 we sat down with Jason Robinson and conducted interviews discussing diversity in sport & inspiring future generations and how to best manage the pressures of elite sport. Watch our Exclusive Interviews with Jason Robinson.