Robinson: England’s Dan the man to light up sevens world

Posted on May 11, 2012 in England Sevens

World Cup winner Jason Robinson loves to be entertained and hailed England’s Dan Norton as the man who has lit up this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.

Norton is the leading global try-getter going into the final leg at the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium this weekend. No Englishman – in a list including Ugo Monye and David Strettle – has scored more heavily in a single season.

The 24 year-old from Bristol has touched down 35 times on big stages everywhere from Hong Kong to Las Vegas on a world tour in which the eight tournament titles have been shared by five different teams so far.

Former England wing Robinson – their try scorer in the 2003 World Cup final victory – admits he wants to see ‘speed, good feet and skills’ more than scrums and lineouts these days.

And the likes of England’s Norton and Mat Turner, and New Zealand’s Lomu-like wing Frank Halai, have provided exactly that since the series kicked off on the Gold Coast in Queensland six months ago.

The single snapshot highlight? Norton’s astonishing try in Hong Kong against Australia, starting from behind his own line before he beat three opponents to go the length of the field and snatch victory on the final play, might just be the best of the lot.

“When you’re playing 15s you are aware of sevens because everyone loves playing it but what I’ve seen this season has been amazing,” said Robinson, an HSBC Ambassador.

“I’ve been astonished going to the different legs as to how much interest has been generated. For guys like Norton, who’s just re-signed for England, it’s fantastic. The best players love big stages and the HSBC Sevens World Series gives them that worldwide.

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Jackson, Evans and Murray return to squad as Robinson makes one change to Scotland starting XV

Posted on Mar 6, 2012 in Scotland, Scottish Rugby

Scotland have made one change in personnel in their starting team for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Ireland in Dublin.

Nick De Luca, the Edinburgh centre, who impressed off the bench against France, returns with Sean Lamont moving to take up his customary wing berth in place of his injured younger brother, Rory.

On the bench meanwhile, there are three changes with Euan Murray, Ruaridh Jackson and Max Evans replacing Ed Kalman, Duncan Weir and De Luca respectively.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “We did many good things in the game against France but we need to be better, especially in our accuracy and execution at breakdown, in order to beat Ireland.

“If we do the basic things well and are ruthless in contact then we can put ourselves in a position to defeat a very good Ireland team.”

Robinson is asking De Luca to replicate the form he showed against France by handing him the starting berth, while he also welcomes back Jackson.  “Ruaridh has worked hard and done well in his games with Glasgow.

“He had a tough time with injury following the Rugby World Cup but he has the strength of character required in international rugby.

“We are also delighted to see Max and Euan back in the squad and look forward to their contribution this weekend.”

Scotland team (sponsor RBS) to play Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 10 March, kick-off 5pm

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), 2 caps, 1 try, 5 points

14 Lee Jones (Edinburgh Rugby) 3 caps, 1 try, 5 points

13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 32 caps, 1 try, 5 points

12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 63 caps, 8 tries, 40 points

10 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps, 1 try, 2 conversions, 3 penalties, 18 points

9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby) 78 caps, 7 tries, 35 points

1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby) 63 caps

2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 56 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN

3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 11 caps

4 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 19 caps

5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 37 caps, 1 try, 5 points

6 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 14 caps

8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 4 caps

Substitutes

16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 32 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

17 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 42 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), 39 caps, 1 try, 5 points

19 Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks) 16 caps

20 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 58 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

21 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps, 2 conversions, 2 penalties, 2 drop-goals, 16 points

22 Max Evans (Castres) 26 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand).  Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France) and Greg Garner (England).  TMO: Giulio de Santis (Italy)

Robbie Robinson Signs with the Chiefs

Posted on Aug 8, 2011 in NZ

Southland representative Robbie Robinson today announced his move to the Chiefs Super Rugby Franchise for the 2012 campaign. 21 year old Robinson joins former New Zealand under20s teammate Aaron Cruden at the Chiefs along with his New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam.

Chiefs Head Coach Dave Rennie said “I had the pleasure to work with Robbie during our U20 World Cup campaign in 2009 where he was very influential in the success of that team. He is a good man, has an excellent skill set with the ability to play both 15 and 10. That sort of versatility is crucial for such a demanding campaign”.

In 2008, at the age of 18, Robinson debuted for Southland in the domestic competition against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and played for the triumphant New Zealand under20s side in the IRB Junior World Cup tournament in 2009. In 2010 he debuted for the Highlanders against the Blues and played all three games for the New Zealand Maori side in the Sealord Centenary series. Robinson plays both first five-eighth and fullback.

Robinson commented “although I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Highlanders the opportunity to move north and push for a starting spot with the Chiefs was too good to let slip by. I’m focused on next year being a big one and am looking forward to getting to Hamilton and getting stuck into it".

Falcons build for future

Posted on Jun 29, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Newcastle Falcons can confirm the capture of exciting England under-18 back five forward Joe Robinson, on a full-time contract.

The Kendal born youngster will be relishing the prospect of following in the footsteps of last season’s Academy Player of the Season Mark Wilson, who also hails from the quaint South Cumbrian town.

Like Wilson, the 6ft 3’ 18-year-old prodigy attended Kirbie Kendal School and enhanced his rugby education under the watchful eye of PE teacher Dean Barker.

Barker was influential in developing Wilson’s game, and the signing of Robinson is a strong sign of intent from the Kingston Park club, to build on relationships with South Cumbria.

Robinson recently finished his A Levels at Sedbergh School and tasted senior rugby with Kendal RFC first team towards the end of last season. A product of the Cumbria School of Rugby system at under-16s, Robinson underlined his growing potential while playing for the Falcons under-16 and under-18 sides.

Assistant academy coach Mark Laycock, who has monitored the progress of the talented youngster said: “Joe has a high work-rate and real athletic potential. He is someone who has been on our radar since he was 15 and has improved a lot over the past 12 months.

“We are confident that he will make the transition into senior rugby pretty seamlessly, given how well he has done for Kendal, Sedbergh School and England under-18s.”

Andy Robinson extends contract

Posted on Feb 9, 2011 in Rugby News

Scottish Rugby announced today (Wednesday 9 February) that it has reached agreement with Andy Robinson to extend his contract until 31 December 2015.  This will keep Robinson at the helm of the national team beyond the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015.

Robinson welcomed the extension stating: “I am very proud to be the Scotland Head Coach and I am delighted that the great work already underway will continue until after the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

"I am very happy with the progress that has been made by Scottish Rugby in recent seasons and have every confidence the Scottish professional teams will continue to play an important role in supporting the success of the Scotland team.

"I want to personally thank Scottish Rugby and the rugby public for the fantastic support the national team enjoys and I can assure them that I will be doing everything I possibly can along with my management team and the players to bring further success  to the nation in the years ahead.

“This Saturday’s  game against Wales provides  us with the perfect opportunity to get that  important first win in the RBS 6 Nations championship.”

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Gordon McKie, hailed Robinson’s extension.  He said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have secured Andy until December 2015 .  I said when we appointed Andy back in 2009 that he would bring success to Scotland and I have every reason to expect that Scotland will continue to improve in the coming years under his leadership.

“Andy is an important part of the Scottish Rugby family and he has made a real impact on the national team taking us to seventh in the world and achieving fine victories over Southern Hemisphere opposition last year.

“Andy is highly regarded throughout the world as a coach and to have secured his services until beyond the Rugby World Cup in England in  2015 is a great coup and further underlines that rugby in Scotland  is in good health.”

Allan Munro, Chairman of Scottish Rugby, welcomed the news. “The Scottish Rugby Board was keen to keep Andy in Scotland and this extension until December 2015 will enable Andy to build on the recent improving performances of the national team.

"It’s great news for everyone associated with the game in Scotland.”