Robinson’s rugby career began long before his executive leadership. A powerful flanker, he represented Australia in 16 Test matches between 1996 and 1998 and captained the ACT Brumbies during the early years of Super 12 rugby. His reputation as a thoughtful, high-character leader was evident early, helping lay the foundation for his later roles in shaping the sport globally. Balancing high-performance sport with academic ambition, Robinson earned a medical degree from the University of Queensland before completing a DPhil (PhD) in Clinical Orthopaedics at Oxford University, where he also played for Oxford University RFC. His research background included specialist interest in knee biomechanics, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving athlete wellbeing.

After retiring from professional rugby, Robinson built a diverse career in business and sports administration. His roles included high‑performance manager and assistant chair at Rugby Australia, and later CEO of RetireAustralia, where personal experiences, particularly the inadequate care his late father received, deepened his focus on improving wellbeing systems.

As Chair, Robinson has articulated a clear governance vision anchored in five priorities:

• Financial sustainability across global unions
• Growth and expansion into new markets
• Enhanced fan engagement
• Player safety, law reform, and welfare innovation
• A modern, disciplined, and fit‑for‑purpose governing body