English rugby
Robinson to come out of retirement
Scrum.com
July 26, 2010
Jason Robinson will return to rugby with Fylde
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Rugby World Cup-winner Jason Robinson has announced a shock return to the game with National League side Fylde. The Leeds-born winger, who will be 36 later this month, played rugby league for club sides Hunslet and Wigan and internationally for both England and Great Britain before switching codes. He had spells with Bath and Sale and was a part of England's 2003 World Cup-winning team, appearing in more than 50 rugby union internationals for his country, as well as playing for the British and Irish Lions. He hung up his boots during the 2007-08 season but has decided to resume his career with a team who finished ninth in National North Two last season. It also means Robinson will again work with former England manager Brian Ashton, who returned to Fylde as a coaching consultant last month. "It is a remarkably fortunate coincidence for me to be returning to help out my old club Fylde as Jason arrives to play," said Ashton. "I have had the privilege of working with Jason and know that his stature, ability and qualities as a player and a person will benefit all who come into contact with him, both on and off the field." Robinson, who is also expected to be involved in off-the-pitch activities, will also be working again with Fylde head coach Mark Nelson, who was Sale's backs coach during their Premiership-winning 2005-06 season. "I am absolutely delighted we have signed Jason for next season. Given his record in both codes of the game, it's not an exaggeration to say he is the best ever rugby player," added Nelson. "It's a fantastic opportunity for our players to play alongside such an experienced and mercurial talent and I expect a number of players will express an interest in joining the club to have a similar opportunity." Robinson was a part of England's 2003 World Cup-winning team, appearing in more than 50 rugby union internationals for his country, as well as starring for the British and Irish Lions. © Scrum.com
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