Robbie Robinson (rugby player)
Robert Blair "Robbie" Robinson (born 22 August 1989 in Westport, New Zealand) is a professional rugby union player who represents the Sunwolves in the Super Rugby competition as well as Toyota Verblitz in the Japan.
| Birth name | Robert Blair Robinson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 22 August 1989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Westport, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 84 kg (13 st 3 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Southland Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing career
Robinson made his debut for Southland in round three 2008 Air New Zealand Cup against the Hawke's Bay Magpies. He played majority of his games at fullback rather than his favoured first five-eighth position due to the competition's top scorer Blair Stewart having cemented the role for the season.
In 2009 Robinson was selected for the New Zealand Under 20s team for the Junior World Cup in Japan. Robinson played the majority of the tournament at fullback[1] due to the team's captain Aaron Cruden being a specialist first five-eighth. The team went through the tournament unbeaten, defeating England 44-28 in the final.[2]
His season continued with Southland making a great start to the competition after being second after 8 rounds of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. However a string of bad performances led to the team needing to win their final round Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury. The team came out of the game victorious with Robinson kicking three penalties leading the Stags to a win and ending the 50 year shield drought.
His form led to him securing a Highlanders contract for the 2010 and 2011 Super Rugby seasons. In 2012, after two years with the Highlanders, he signed with the Chiefs, with his contract extending until the 2014 season.
He scored the Chiefs' winning try in the 2013 Super Rugby final in a 27-22 win against the Brumbies.
He was released by the Chiefs in 2014 after a frustrating injury that kept him out for the entire campaign.
References
- Savory, Logan (28 May 2009). "Robbie Robinson may start at 15". Southland Times. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- Davidson, Martin (22 June 2009). "NZ retain world under-20 rugby title". Ruby Heaven. NZPA. Retrieved 5 November 2011.