Jason Robertson Bio
Jason Robertson (born 17 November 1994) is a Zimbabwean-born New Zealand rugby union player who currently represents Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby. A fly-half by trade, he is known for his playmaking ability, tactical kicking, and consistency at the highest levels of club rugby. Robertson has built a career that has spanned New Zealand’s domestic competitions and professional clubs in France before returning to Major League Rugby in North America.
Standing 1.75 m tall and weighing 84 kg, Robertson combines a compact frame with sharp decision-making skills that have made him a dependable first five-eighth throughout his career. He has represented multiple provincial sides in New Zealand and spent time in the French professional ranks, demonstrating his adaptability across different rugby cultures. His return to Old Glory DC has further established him as one of the franchise’s most important players, with the club acknowledging that he has scored more points for the team than any other player in its history.
Early Life and Background
Jason Robertson was born on 17 November 1994 in Harare, Zimbabwe, before later moving to New Zealand, the country he now represents in rugby. Growing up in a different environment from the one in which he was born, Robertson was exposed to rugby from an early age and developed his skills within New Zealand’s strong rugby development system. His background as a Zimbabwean-born New Zealander has given him a unique perspective on the game, and he has consistently spoken about embracing both cultures throughout his career.
Robertson attended Ruzawi School, a respected institution in Zimbabwe, before his family relocated to New Zealand. This early educational experience provided a strong foundation that helped shape his discipline and work ethic, qualities that have become central to his professional approach. The move to New Zealand opened the door to competitive youth rugby, where his talent as a playmaker quickly became evident to coaches and selectors at the regional level.
Path to Professional Rugby
Robertson’s rise through New Zealand rugby began in the provincial system, where he earned the opportunity to represent Waikato from 2016 onward. Playing in the Mitre 10 Cup gave him valuable senior experience and allowed him to develop the skills required for first-class rugby. His performances for Waikato attracted attention, and he later moved to Bay of Plenty, where he continued to refine his craft between 2018 and 2019.
These early provincial stints were crucial in establishing Robertson as a reliable fly-half capable of managing games at a high level. His ability to read defenses, control territory through tactical kicking, and distribute effectively to his backline became hallmarks of his play. By the end of his time in New Zealand’s domestic competitions, Robertson had built a reputation as a composed and intelligent number ten, which ultimately opened the door to opportunities abroad.
Jason Robertson Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Jason Robertson’s senior career began in 2016 when he debuted for Waikato in the Mitre 10 Cup. The New Zealand provincial system provided him with a demanding environment in which to develop, and he quickly adapted to the physical and tactical demands of senior rugby. During his time at Waikato, he showcased the passing, kicking, and game-management skills that would later define his professional career.
In 2018, Robertson transferred to Bay of Plenty, where he spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons continuing to build his reputation. His performances in the Mitre 10 Cup during this period helped him attract the attention of scouts from international competitions, setting the stage for his move to Major League Rugby in North America.
Old Glory DC Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Robertson signed with Major League Rugby side Old Glory DC ahead of the 2020 Major League Rugby season, marking his entry into professional rugby in the United States. As a fly-half, he was entrusted with directing the team’s attack, and he quickly became a central figure in the franchise’s plans. His composure and decision-making under pressure helped Old Glory DC compete in a growing and increasingly competitive league.
Following his initial season, Robertson re-signed with Old Glory DC ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season, a clear sign of the club’s confidence in his abilities. In 2020, he also joined Counties Manukau for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup, balancing commitments between New Zealand and the United States. His growing profile in Major League Rugby led to his record-setting status, with the club later confirming that Robertson has scored more points for Old Glory DC than any other player in its history.
French Rugby Era (2021–2023)
After the end of the 2021 Major League Rugby season, Robertson signed with French club Narbonne, which had recently been promoted to Pro D2, the second tier of French professional rugby. The move represented a significant step in his career, exposing him to the demanding and tactical style of French rugby. Playing in Pro D2 allowed him to test himself in a highly competitive environment and to develop new aspects of his game.
Robertson later moved to Aviron Bayonnais, commonly known as Bayonne, where he spent the 2022–2023 season continuing his development in French professional rugby. His time in France broadened his rugby education and provided him with experiences that would later benefit his return to Major League Rugby. These stints in Pro D2 and the Top 14 underlined his adaptability and his willingness to embrace challenges in different rugby cultures.
Old Glory DC Return (2024–Present)
Prior to the start of the 2024 Major League Rugby season, Jason Robertson re-signed with Old Glory DC, returning to the franchise where he had previously made his mark in North American rugby. His return was welcomed by the club and its supporters, who recognized his importance as a leader and as the franchise’s all-time leading points scorer. Robertson’s experience in France added a new dimension to his game, and he continued to play a central role in Old Glory DC’s ambitions in the league.
Since his return, Robertson has remained a key figure for Old Glory DC, anchoring the team’s attack and providing the kind of consistency that coaches value at the fly-half position. His combination of international experience, tactical awareness, and proven scoring ability has made him an indispensable part of the franchise’s long-term plans. As one of the league’s most experienced fly-halves, he continues to influence games with his kicking game and his ability to control tempo.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a fly-half, Jason Robertson is known for his tactical kicking, game-management skills, and ability to read defenses at the line. His time in French rugby added a sharper edge to his strategic play, while his New Zealand background instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement. Robertson’s strengths lie in his composure under pressure, his accuracy from the tee, and his ability to bring the best out of the players around him, making him a natural leader on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Jason Robertson’s career is his status as Old Glory DC’s all-time leading points scorer, a record that reflects his consistency and longevity with the franchise. His decision to test himself in French professional rugby, first with Narbonne in Pro D2 and then with Bayonne, marked a bold step that broadened his experience and elevated his profile. Returning to Old Glory DC ahead of the 2024 season completed a full circle in his career and reinforced his standing as one of Major League Rugby’s most respected fly-halves.
Jason Robertson Career Highlights
Across his time in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup, French professional rugby, and Major League Rugby, Jason Robertson has accumulated a body of work that highlights his durability and consistency as a fly-half. His contributions have been particularly significant at Old Glory DC, where he holds the franchise record for most points scored. Robertson’s career reflects steady progression from the New Zealand provincial system to the international professional stage.
Major League Rugby Highlights
Robertson joined Old Glory DC ahead of the 2020 Major League Rugby season and re-signed for the 2021 season before embarking on his French adventure. Upon returning to the franchise ahead of the 2024 season, he picked up where he left off as the team’s primary playmaker and leading points scorer. His impact on the franchise has been profound, with the club confirming that no other player has scored more points for Old Glory DC in its history.
Other Performances
In addition to his Major League Rugby contributions, Robertson represented Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Counties Manukau in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup, gaining valuable senior experience in one of the world’s most competitive domestic competitions. He also spent time in France with Narbonne in Pro D2 and with Bayonne, experiences that showcased his ability to adapt to different styles of play and further enhanced his reputation as a well-rounded professional.
Jason Robertson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Jason Robertson was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, before relocating to New Zealand, where he was raised and developed as a rugby player. His educational background includes time at Ruzawi School in Zimbabwe, an experience that helped lay the foundation for his later move to New Zealand and his entry into competitive rugby. Public details about his immediate family remain limited, and Robertson has largely kept his personal and family life private.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 Major League Rugby season, Jason Robertson is expected to remain a central figure for Old Glory DC as the franchise continues to build on its competitive foundation. As the club’s all-time leading points scorer, he will once again be relied upon to direct the attack, manage the kicking game, and provide leadership in pressure situations. His experience in French professional rugby has added new layers to his game that should continue to benefit the team.
Robertson’s combination of tactical awareness, composure, and proven scoring record makes him one of the most influential fly-halves in Major League Rugby. With a settled role at Old Glory DC and the trust of his coaches and teammates, he is well positioned to play a key role in the franchise’s ambitions for the 2025 campaign. His continued presence also provides a steady hand for younger players developing within the Old Glory DC system.