The inspirational captain scored his maiden 1st XV league try at home to Cleve back in September 2008, but his longevity meant he was named in The Rugby Paper’s National One Team of the Season after Rams’ runners-up finish last term.

And Robbie said: “I can’t remember too much of my first try, but I do remember a game at Cleve where we had Andy Lynch on the bench for front row cover when he was chairman!”

He went on to set a club-record 27 tries in a season as Rams finished third in National Three South West in 2011/12, but admitted it could have been more.

He confessed: “I remember not being able to play the last game as I’d got a red card a couple of weeks before when I was sticking up for my brother.

“One of the opposition had had a go at Owen (Root) and Conor stepped in, then I joined and I was the one who got the red despite Andy Amor hanging off me trying to hold me back!

“It was a great season, though, and I remember the Chinnor No. 8 was also scoring lots, so (then forwards coach) Spike Henderson kept telling me I had to get more.”

After a two-and-a-half year stint testing himself in National One with Henley Hawks, Robbie returned to his home club during Rams’ maiden season in National Two South.

And he recalled: “I came back for the game before Christmas against Chinnor which we won, and then we had a great run after Christmas and ended up finishing eighth.

“At the time Henley were second bottom of National One, and Rams were second-bottom of National Two, so people were asking ‘what is he doing?’ But there’s an emotional attachment to where you start.”

Since that time, Rams have continued to grow and after winning National Two in 2018/19, they enjoyed a wonderful first campaign at the third level of English rugby.

And Robbie has not doubt the key element in their success.

He explained: “We’ve kept the side for some years and we’ve kept improving. When you’ve got the majority of the same team – you might lose the odd player who moves or retires, but also bring in one or two – you learn as a group and each year we’ve improved on certain things.”

Robbie currently sits second in the all-time list of league try scorers with 83 – 18 behind the record-setting Jez Flynn – but he admitted his favourite try was not one of his own.

He reflected: “The try I actually remember most wasn’t one I scored! It was the year I came back at Old Elthamians, and Craig Nightingale ran in from some 60 metres, a great try.

“I’ve been lucky playing at No. 8 – most of mine come from much closer.”

He continued: “Now I know Jez is on 101, I’ll have to keep myself going to get past him, although I’m sure my average per game must be better!”

Looking back at some of the ‘terrific’ teammates he has played with, Robbie said: “I’ve played with some great players over the years – in the old days, Craig Clements, Spike Chandler, Seb Reynolds, Jevon Marsh; more recently Stevie Bryant, Ben Henderson, Conor Corrigan, Henry Bird when he came in last year – but they’ve generally all been excellent.

“I’d have to put my brother up there too – it’s always special to play with your family – but I keep mentioning him and I don’t want people to think I’m going soft!”

And it is the hard yards element of his approach to the sport which led him to add: “Some of my strongest memories are wins at tough places to go, like Coney Hill or Weston-super-Mare, but also just the atmosphere around the club and some times in the clubhouse!!

“It’s always nice when opposition players comment on the vibe around the club and there have been some who’ve said if it weren’t for the travel time they’d have come here straight away.”

Having been named in The Rugby Paper’s select XV earlier this year, Robbie was coy on the level he’s playing at.

He said: “I’m possibly not as physically strong as I was when I was younger, but you gain experience and know where and when you need to be (in the right place) on the pitch.

"Your role changes – it’s now really important for me to help the youngsters come through.”

And with the great news the NCA has ratified plans for the National Cup – where Rams are likely to come up against Henley, Chinnor and Rosslyn Park among others in the group stage – there is an excitement in the skipper’s voice when he concludes: “I’m really looking forward to it and especially the fact at the start we don’t have too far to travel!

“It will be great to have some competitive rugby and it will be great to see people again – we’ll be taking it seriously.”