King William’s College is pleased to announce the appointment of former All Black Mark Robinson as its first Rugby Ambassador, a significant step that underlines the College’s long-term commitment to excellence in sport and the holistic development of young people.
Mark will join the College in September, bringing with him 15 years of professional playing experience across New Zealand and Europe, including international honours with the All Blacks as a halfback. Throughout his distinguished playing career, he developed a deep understanding of elite performance, leadership and team culture, qualities that will now benefit the next generation of KWC rugby players.
As Rugby Ambassador, Mark will work closely with pupils, coaches and the wider school community to strengthen rugby across the College. While supporting the development of technical and tactical excellence, he will place equal emphasis on the values that have defined his own career: discipline, resilience, teamwork, integrity and respect.
Now settled on the Isle of Man, Mark has developed a strong affection for the Island and its vibrant sporting community. He is looking forward to playing an active role in nurturing young players and contributing to the continued growth of rugby within both the College and the wider Manx community.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark said:
“I am delighted to be joining King William’s College as its first Rugby Ambassador. Rugby has shaped my life in countless ways, and I am passionate about helping young people experience everything the game has to offer. Success in rugby is built on far more than talent alone—it requires character, commitment and a willingness to work for others. I look forward to working with the pupils and coaches to develop not only successful teams but confident, resilient young people.”
Alongside his distinguished playing career, Mark brings considerable experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including coaches, parents, school leaders, sponsors and the media. His ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organisation, combined with his understanding of high-performance environments, will be a valuable asset as the College continues to enhance its sporting provision.
Principal Damian Henderson welcomed the appointment:
“Mark’s arrival is an important milestone for King William’s College,” he said. “His achievements in international rugby speak for themselves, but what impressed us most was his commitment to developing young people through sport.
“Outstanding school rugby programmes are about much more than producing successful teams. They develop character, resilience, leadership and a genuine sense of belonging. Mark embodies those qualities, and his experience of performing at the highest level of world rugby will provide an exceptional source of inspiration for our pupils.
“We have ambitious plans for rugby at King William’s College. We want to establish ourselves as the leading school for rugby on the Isle of Man while competing confidently with some of the strongest independent schools in the United Kingdom. Mark’s appointment represents a significant step towards achieving that ambition.”
A devoted family man, Mark is also a passionate advocate for the role that competitive sport plays in supporting young people’s physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development. He believes the lessons learned on the rugby field—working together, overcoming setbacks and striving for continual improvement—equip young people for success long after the final whistle.
Mark’s appointment reflects King William’s College’s continued investment in providing exceptional opportunities beyond the classroom. As the College prepares to welcome pupils back for the new academic year, his arrival signals an exciting new era for rugby, one that combines high-performance coaching with a clear commitment to developing confident, capable and principled young people.
