Wallaby prop to swap scrums for study with unique sabbatical granted for 2024

Tom Robertson will not let sport end his educational dreams, with the Wallabies prop negotiating a study sabbatical into his new Rugby Australia contract.

Robertson has committed to the Wallabies and the Western Force until 2025 but will not be with either for parts of 2024, instead heading to Oxford University in England where he will study a Master of Public Policy.

The 113kg, 31-cap Wallaby enforcer might not look like a bookworm but his qualifications suggest otherwise.

The 28-year-old already boasts a Bachelor of Medical Science, a Master of Public Health and a Master of Philosophy-Medicine, and will undertake his next degree via a John Monash Scholarship.

Robertson thanked the organisations for allowing him to pursue his studies while still playing, adding “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,” he said. 

“It’s really exciting, and I am incredibly appreciative to the Monash Foundation and Dr Brett Robinson for helping fund this opportunity.

“At Oxford, I will start a Master of Public Policy … this is about how to try and get governments to give the medical system more money, especially where I’m from in Dubbo.

“From a rugby perspective, studying has helped my career. Having something off-field has been really helpful and important to me.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“Having something to strive towards after your career is definitely important, and not only is it good for my mental health it helps with rugby as well.”

Robertson tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing for the Force in round 13, and is now set to return to the field for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season where he will push for Wallabies selection for the British and Irish Lions series.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said he hoped Robertson would return from injury in the same form he showed this campaign.

“Tom is an experienced Test player,” Jones said. 

“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.”