Robinson returns to rugby
Jason Robinson has made a dramatic return to rugby after announcing that he will play for Fylde at the start of the new season.
Robinson retired from playing club rugby at the end of the 2006-07 season and has not played a competitive league match at a decent level since. Fylde play in the division three leagues below the Premiership and this move will be huge for them.
Robinson was well known for his pace and energy during games, which was often too much for many opposition defences to handle. He will have to work very hard to be fit in time for the season to start if he wants to replicate these qualities.
There are obviously a huge number of positives for the club in signing this player because he will help the side in many ways. However, there is good reason to be cautious because Robinson has not played at club level for so long.
Positives
The biggest positive that the club will enjoy will be the wealth of experience that Robinson possesses. He had a long and productive career for England playing and doing well against some of the best sides in rugby.
He will be able to bring this experience into the team and use it to help many others in the squad. He may even be able to offer a little bit in terms of coaching ability based on his experience alone.
He's likely to still be a very good player because of the level he will be playing at. This will allow him to get back to the ways of club life more easily and it will make the transition from not playing to playing simpler.
Brian Ashton, a coaching consultant at the club said: "It is a remarkably fortunate coincidence for me to be returning to help out my old club Fylde as Jason arrives to play. 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."
Worries
There are going to be a few worries with this move and this is only natural with a player who has been out of the club game for so long. Fitness is the big issue and Robinson will quickly find that fitness is a lot better than when he played a few season back.
The club will have to cope with a great deal of publicity and attention. The club have to keep all players happy and if there are any egotistical signs coming from Robinson then alarm bells should be ringing before other players get upset or annoyed.
Fylde's head coach Mark Nelson said: "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. 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."
Betting advice
There is no doubt that Robinson will make Fylde a much better team and he will open up a few more bets to you that you may never have considered. Have a bet on Fylde to win promotion this season because if Robinson gets fit and plays well, he could carry the team in a very positive way.
Robinson will score a lot of points during the course of the season and he will be odds on to be top scorer in the division. Take advantage of it.
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