Rugby Australia and the Western Force are thrilled to announce the re-signing of Tom Robertson through to 2025, which includes a sabbatical studying at Oxford University in 2024.
The versatile prop has been a constant figure in the international arena, having played 31 games for the Wallabies since his debut in the gold jersey in 2016.
Born in Wellington and raised in Dubbo, Robertson played in four of the five 2022 Spring Tour internationals and scored his first Test try against Italy in Florence.
Robertson is a prominent piece in the Force's front row, notching up 35 caps in the West over the last three seasons, and 95 overall in Super Rugby after making his debut for the Waratahs back in 2016.
The 28-year-old is currently rehabilitating an ACL injury he suffered against the ACT Brumbies in Round 13 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this year.
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 a Master of Public Policy at Oxford UNiversity's Blavatnik School of Government.
Wallabies and Western Force prop Tom Robertson said: "I would like to thank the Western Force and Rugby Australia for allowing me to have this sabbatical, 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, it's really exciting, and I am incredibly appreciative to the Monash Foundation and Dr Brett Robinson for helping fund this opportunity.
"I have shown throughout my career how much it means to me. It's all about the experience, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.
"At Oxford, I will start a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. 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, I think studying has helped my career, as having something off-field has been really helpful and important to me.
"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."
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: "Tom is an experienced Test player who was in good form for the Western Force this year."
"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."
Western Force head coach Simon Cron said: "Tom is a big part of our team. He's a great man, we love him."
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"
Tom Robertson
Position: Prop
Height: 180cm
Weight: 113kg
Date of Birth: 28/8/1994
Place of Birth: Wellington, NSW
Test debut: 2016 v Argentina in Perth
Test caps: 31
Super Rugby debut: 2016 v Highlanders in Sydney (Waratahs)
Super Rugby caps: 95
2023 eToro Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Fixtures
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:05pm SAST/1:05am AEST, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wallabies v Argentina, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
