In Episode 162 of the No Limitations Podcast, Sword and Shield, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Ian Roberts, a former Australian and New South Wales professional Rugby League player and Director of Venues NSW.

 

In an open and insightful conversation, Ian reflects on his personal journey, recounting the challenges he faced both on and off the field and the key individuals who helped shape the person he is today. Ian discusses the sense of empowerment he discovered through his acting career, and how learning to read and write as an adult freed him from a lifelong burden of shame. Finally, Ian speaks about how he has used his professional identity and platform to strengthen education and foster more open discussions around social inclusion and mental health.

 

Ian played professional Rugby League from 1985 to 1998, making nine State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and playing in thirteen Test Matches with the Australian Kangaroos. During his distinguished career, Ian has represented multiple national and international professional Rugby League clubs, including the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys. In 1994, at the height of his sporting career – Ian publicly came out as gay, becoming the second man internationally in a professional sports team to do so. Post retirement, Ian has become a strong advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights and an experienced wellbeing educator, particularly in the area of mental health. He is a Director of Venues NSW, an official patron of ACON’s Pride in Sports, and a member of the NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council. He was also a Founding Director of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney’s first LGBTIQ+ Museum located on Taylor Square. Ian is also the subject of the upcoming documentary “Light – The Ian Roberts Story”.

 

If you would like to support Ian and the team in the upcoming documentary, please click here: https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/light-the-ian-roberts-story/

 

Please note this episode was recorded on 2 February 2026.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.