Robins was born in Cardiff. He was educated at Llandaff Cathedral School and Wellington School. He joined the Royal Navy and served in World War II. He played for England in two wartime Services Internationals. He trained as a teacher at Loughborough and returned there as a lecturer before taking up the post of Director of Physical Education and Recreation at Sheffield University and subsequently the same position at University College, Cardiff.
Robins played for Leicester Tigers and was a noted goal-kicker despite being a prop.[2]