Australian rugby union star Benn Robinson has been forced into immediate retirement following an eye injury sustained earlier this year.
Robinson had surgery after being poked in the eye by Brumbies’ lock Rory Arnold in April, but was advised to quit football.
The loosehead prop made the announcement this morning surrounded by teammates at the Waratahs’ headquarters.
He exits the game having played 73 tests for the Wallabies and is the most capped New South Wales Waratahs player with 151.
Robinson made his debut for the Waratahs in 2006 with an impressive season that earned him a spot in the Wallabies side that year.
Robinson thanked his friends, family, fans and the club for all the support, “Rugby’s been a big part of my career for so many years, for it to end like this is very disappointing.”
He finished his career with 35 points for the Waratahs and 15 points for Australia.
Robinson won his first Super Rugby title in 2014 with a dramatic 33-32 victory over the Crusaders in front of 61,000 fans at ANZ Stadium. It would be the only piece of silverware he received in his 10-year career with the Waratahs.
He was awarded the Australian Super Rugby rookie of the year in 2006 and the people’s choice award as Australia’s best player in 2009. – Jarvis Small
Photo from Rugby Players Aus Twitter feed.
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