Former New Zealand Under-20 utility back Robbie Robinsons signs with Chiefs – Super Rugby
Hamilton based New Zealand Conference Super Rugby franchise, Chiefs, has announced the signing of the young utility back, Robert Robinson, with the club for their 2012 Super Rugby season campaign. This year, Robbie Robinson, represented the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.
Chiefs’ officials have confirmed the signing of Robinson for their 2012 Super Rugby campaign in a statement released on their website on Monday, August 8.
Chiefs head coach, Dave Rennie, has expressed his pleasure at signing the versatile back player. However, in his career, Robinson has played at fly half, inside center and at fullback positions. Rennie added, “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”.
Robinson has expressed his pleasure on joining the Chiefs. He added, “I'm focused on next year being a big one and am looking forward to getting to Hamilton and getting stuck into it.”
Robinson added that he has enjoyed the time he has spent with the Highlanders. However he confirmed that his decision to joins is part of his development plan as a player, in which he will be looking to secure a place in starting xv for Chiefs in the next season. He said, “The opportunity to move north and push for a starting spot with the Chiefs was too good to let slip by.”
The Westport born Robinson started his professional rugby union career with the Southland provincial rugby union side in 2008. He has made 37 appearances for Southland and scored an impressive 246 points.
The 21-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders against the Blues in 2010. He has made 17 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders and scored 54 points.
Robinson has also represented the New Zealand national rugby union side at the Under-20s level. He played an important role in the Baby Blacks campaign, during the 2009 International Rugby Boards (IRB) Junior World Championship(JWC).
Rennie has acknowledged the contribution of Robinson for the Baby Blacks in the 2009 JWC. He 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.”
Robinson will join his former Under-20 team-mate Aaron Cruden at Chiefs.
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