This interview is from our ‘Business After Sport’ feature in Issue 21 of our magazine.

When you think of Nicky Robinson, a few immediate images come to mind.

The drop-goal against Fiji to salvage a Welsh win and his role as the creative hub during Cardiff’s incredible 50-12 dismantling of Gloucester in the 2009 EDF Energy Cup Final are vivid memories, accompanied by his more recent work as a pundit for both Scrum V and S4C.

However, Robinson’s life in business is a far-cry from the 16-year playing career he enjoyed before retiring for the second and final time in 2017.

In June, Robinson started his insurance broker business alongside business partner Kevin Sargeant.

The business – Robinson Sargeant – is based on Penhill Road in Cardiff with another practice in Dorset.

“We have expertise within construction, property and private clients and can help clients with most of their general insurance needs,” says Robinson.

“Kevin and I met at Kerry London where I was in a business development role, but I left as I wanted something where I’d have a bit more control.

“During my time at Kerry London, I’d learnt a fair bit about the industry. Kevin and I are a good balance, he’s more technical, whereas I’m more on the sales and marketing side which is something I really enjoy.

“While I loved my time in rugby and as a coach after retiring, insurance has given me the opportunity for more freedom on the weekend with a young family.

“Insurance and the business world is different from sport but there are definite cross overs in the way it’s a very people orientated industry.”

Robinson remains involved in the game with his work on the Scrum V podcast along with punditry duties for S4C and BBC, something the former fly-half enjoys and says has helped with his transition post playing.

A career in insurance perhaps wasn’t top of the list when Robinson thought about his future post rugby, however. He says remaining open to new ideas and career paths is crucial for any former athlete.

“It’s good to try a few things out,” says Robinson.

“If something doesn’t work out it’s about keeping yourself open for other opportunities, you’ll find something you’re good at if you’re open minded.”

An interest in people and helping them is something which Robinson puts down to his time as a rugby player, working in a team environment.

“I enjoy dealing with people, providing a solution for everyone’s needs,” says Robinson.

“Not many people enjoy dealing with their insurance, but it’s an essential part of every business, and getting the right cover is vital.

“It’s something that can be frustrating for clients although hopefully because we’ve built the right relationships and understand what people and their business needs are, it makes it a smoother experience than they fear.

“Having spent time working within a team environment you learn to get along with people. I always enjoyed joining new clubs and building new relationships.”

Being good with people can only get you so far in business, and for Robinson, the key values of hard work and dedication learnt from his decade-and-a-half in rugby are another key component for success.

“You can always learn the technical parts but being hard working and respectful are key for any business,” says Robinson.

“Work ethic and that desire to succeed are so important in sport and business. It is hard to replace the sense of achievement from winning a game of rugby or a good training session in business, but with a business of my own, you have to eat, sleep, and breathe it and that’s what rugby was for me.”

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