BENN ROBINSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Jun 7 • General News, International • 1217 Views • Comments Off on BENN ROBINSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Qantas Wallabies prop Benn Robinson has called time on his highly decorated Rugby career, leaving behind a great Super Rugby and Test legacy.

Robinson, 31, has been forced to step away from Rugby after suffering an eye injury against the Brumbies earlier this season and receiving medical advice that unfortunately spelled retirement.

The national stalwart is Australia’s second-most capped Test prop, behind Queensland’s James Slipper, and last played for the Wallabies in 2014, against England at Twickenham.

Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika paid tribute to Robinson, who he coached to a Super Rugby title in 2014.

“Every player who has the honour of playing for the Wallabies has a responsibility to leave their own special mark on the jersey for the next generation to shape and build on, which Benn has certainly done.

“He should be incredibly proud of what he achieved in his career, and excited about what lies ahead.”

Robinson has shown incredible resilience through his career to rebound from a series of injuries, epitomising his passion for the Waratahs and the Wallabies.

In 2011, he attempted an unlikely comeback from a serious knee injury in a bid to feature in Australia’s World Cup campaign.

The loosehead prop made his Test debut in 2006, after an outstanding Super Rugby season, but he was representing Australia long before his Wallabies outing.

After starting his rugby journey at Beecroft Junior Rugby Club, he played in Sydney’s The Kings School First XV, ultimately called up for the Australian Schoolboys in 2002, his first taste of national representation.

The Glenorie-born prop went on to represent Australia in the U21 World Championships, playing every match for his country in that tournament.

Robinson’s clear love for Rugby has endeared him to Waratahs and Wallabies fans alike, with the Australian public voting him the people’s choice Wallaby of the Year at the 2009 John Eales Medal.

The esteem in which he is held at club level was shown when he temporarily stepped up to the Waratahs captaincy in 2012.

Over 11 seasons at the Waratahs Robinson has played TBC Super Rugby matches, making him the most-capped Waratahs player of all time.

Robinson has been a stabilising force in what has turned to be his final season at the Waratahs, though injuries curtailed his influence on the field for much of the year.

The experienced prop has been a mentor to the next generation of NSW scrummagers and a favourite of many rugby fans.