Ian Robertson (rugby commentator)

Ian Robertson
Full name Ian Robertson
Date of birth 17 January 1945 (1945-01-17) (age 67)
Place of birth London, England
Occupation(s) teacher
sports broadcaster
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position fly-half
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team
Cambridge University R.U.F.C.
Watsonians RFC
London Scottish F.C.
Aberdeenshire
Barbarian F.C.
National team(s)
Years Club / team Caps (points)
1968–1970 Scotland 8 (9)

Ian Robertson (born 17 January 1945)[1] is a Scottish-born broadcaster, writer and former international rugby player. He is best known as a rugby union commentator for BBC Radio.

Early life

Robertson was educated at George Watson's College in Edinburgh, Aberdeen University and Christ's College, Cambridge.[2] He worked for four years as an English teacher at Fettes College, where his most famous pupil was Tony Blair.

Robertson played rugby union for Cambridge University R.U.F.C., Watsonians RFC, London Scottish F.C., Aberdeenshire, Scotland (1968–70) and the Barbarians. The most memorable moment of his playing career was Scotland's 1970 Calcutta Cup victory over England. At 27 he suffered a serious knee injury that ended his sporting career.

Career in journalism

Robertson joined the BBC in 1972. Since April 1983 he is the Corporation's official rugby union correspondent, covering the sport not only on radio but also on television. He regards Scotland's 1984 and 1990 Grand Slams and Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop-kick in the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup as his "best on air moments". Robertson was also a presenter of the Allied Dunbar premiership video review of 1998-1999.

Robertson is a prolific writer; he has written over 30 books and a number of autobiographies.

References