Robinson rules out return
PA Sport
December 2, 2007

Jason Robinson has emphatically ruled out any chance of making a comeback as either a player or coach.

Robinson bowed out of competitive rugby in the Barbarians' thrilling 22-5 triumph over South Africa at Twickenham yesterday.

Showing no ill-effects from the dislocated shoulder he sustained in the World Cup final six weeks ago, he shredded the Springbok defence on several occasions.

On the evidence of his performance against the world champions, he would have few problems adding to his 51 England caps were head coach Brian Ashton to come knocking.

But the 33-year-old insists his playing days are over - and is equally adamant that he has no interest in pursuing a career in coaching.

``There will probably be a lot of people asking me to pull on a shirt of some sort over the next six months,'' he said.

``But I decided last December that I was finishing and I am. I have my testimonial to play next June but I won't be playing any other rugby.

``The only role I'll have in rugby now is possibly as an ambassador. In terms of coaching at a high level - no chance.

``I've seen what coaches have to go through. Most of them are bald, which I don't particularly want to be. Not that there's anything wrong with being bald!

``For me it would be a very stressful thing to do and my knowledge of the game is not that good, so I'll be doing other things instead.''

Robinson's decision to retire was motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family and he admits his relief at now having the opportunity to reflect on his career.

``I'll be very busy with my children and with their home schooling. There are a few other things opening up too,'' he said.

``I have my testimonial year starting in January. Other than that I want to relax.

``It will be a nice time to reflect after playing at this level for so many years.

``As a player you do tend to go from one thing to another and you never get time to reflect and that's what I'll do over the next year.

``I'll think about all the memories I have and all the players I've played with. It will be a nice time.''

Robinson's appearance against South Africa was his 538th during a career that began at Wigan rugby league club 17 years ago.

As the most successful cross-code player of all time, his lengthy stint as a professional is not short of highlights - but one sticks out above the rest.

``The biggest highlight for me was being part of the England team that won the 2003 World Cup,'' he said.

``Over my career I wanted to be consistent. Over the 17 years I've almost done that.

``I had a wonderful career in league and when I got to union it just got better.''

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