HSBC Waratahs and Wallabies prop Benn Robinson has recommitted to NSW and Australian Rugby, signing a three-year deal which will take him through to the expanded Super Rugby season and Rugby World Cup in 2011, and well beyond.
Over the past three years Robinson has redefined himself on the field to become one of the leading players in his position in world Rugby.
Robinson missed the back end of the HSBC Waratahs’ 2010 Super 14 season with a broken arm, and believes he has unfinished business at both a provincial and a national level.
“It was really tough being on the sidelines for a few weeks after the Crusaders game and then reinjuring the arm against the Chiefs because I knew we were a genuine chance of winning the title,” said Robinson. “This Waratahs team has a really strong culture and I think in 2010 we started to show a lot of belief in our game.
“That’s only going to improve next year with most of the squad staying on and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.
“Whenever your contract is up you have a bit of a look at what is out there and obviously 2011 is a pretty big season, but at the end of the day in terms of footy there’s nowhere I’d rather be than at NSW.
Robinson added that his current stint on the sideline has only served to drive his passion harder to push towards a Super Rugby title and the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
“In a contact sport like rugby you’re rarely without a few bumps bruises but it’s only when you have to miss some footy that you really take stock of where you’re at and where you want to be and I’ve done a fair bit of that over the last couple of months,” said Robinson. “I know now that when I come back there’s going to be guys in the Wallabies squad keen to keep me out and I’ll have to win back my place there and with the front row depth we have at NSW I have to keep working hard to do the best for the team.
“If I can continue to work hard and do my bit, hopefully I’ll be a part of some high achievements with both NSW and Australia.”
Robinson made his NSW debut on the 2004 Development Tour of Argentina against Salta in a game which also saw Tom Carter and Dean Mumm commence their state careers.
He went on to make his Super 14 debut against the Queensland Reds in 2006 and earned his first Test cap later that year against the Springboks.
After missing selection in the 2007 World Cup squad, Robinson was forced to start the 2008 season with the HSBC Junior Waratahs. However after breaking into the Super 14 team and helping the team to the competition Final, Robinson went on to enjoy a hallmark season which finished with him holding down the No.1 jersey for the Wallabies.
Robinson carried that form into 2009 where he finished runner-up in the Australian Super 14 Player of the Year Award and was later voted by the public as the People’s Choice Wallaby of the Year.
Benn Robinson
Position: Prop
Physical: 183cm, 113kg
Born: 19.07.84, Sydney
School: The King’s School
Juniors: Dural
Club: Eastwood
State Caps: 69
State Points: 35 [7t]
State Debut: 2004 v Salta
Super Rugby Caps: 62
Super Rugby Points: 25 [5t]
Super Rugby Debut: 2006 v Queensland Reds
Test Caps: 31
Test Points: 5 [1t]
Test Debut 2006 v South Africa