Wednesday’s rugby news has Benn Robinson retires, Nathan Sharpe backs James Horwill, U20’s fall to Scotland and Charlie Ngatai released from the All Blacks squad.
[one_half last=”no”]
Robinson Retires
Waratahs prop Benn Robinson has retired from rugby after failing to recover from an eye injury.
Robinson’s eye injury caused blood cells to appear in the anterior chamber, or front of the lens, of the eye; a condition called microscopic hyphema.
Robinson is expected to regain full eyesight but was advised to not continue playing rugby to prevent further damage.
“Rugby is made me who I am here today. It has been a big part of my life for so many years, for it to end like this is very disappointing,” Robinson said.
“A big thank you to the Waratahs. It is a really special place to come here and play. I am really fortunate to have pulled on the jersey for so many years.”
“I was very fortunate to have such a long career. I wasn’t expecting for it to end with a poke in the eye! I thought it would be the back or the neck.”
Robinson made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 and earned 148 Super Rugby caps and 72 test caps.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Sharpe Backs Horwill
Former Wallaby second rower Nathan Sharpe has backed Michael Cheika’s decision to bring back James Horwill into the Wallabies saying he deserves it.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if James Horwill is picked in the starting position because he’s experienced around the English style of game,” Sharpe said.
“He would have a lot to prove because he’s obviously still carrying a bit of disappointment from the World Cup last year.”
“I’m sure James would be all about the team doing well, but he’d be having a little message in the back of his head wanting to say to Michael Cheika, ‘hey, you should have taken me last year'”
“Things like that don’t disappear on footballers and while I’m sure he’s getting on and being positive, I’m sure he has a point to prove and I’m sure Michael Cheika is aware of that.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
U20’s Fall to Scotland
The Australian U20’s have lost their opening match of the U20’s World Championship after losing to Scotland 15-10.
U20’s coach Adrian Thompson was disappointed with the result but said they needed to focus on the next challenge.
“We are very disappointed with the performance we put out today and at times we were our own worst enemy.
“Our handling errors were not up to the standard we have set for ourselves in 2016 and we started the match too slowly.
“Going a man down against a good team like Scotland was always going to hamper our performance, however credit to Scotland who defended well against us.
“We now have to pick ourselves up and get ready for Italy.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Ngatai Released
Chiefs centre Charlie Ngatai has been released from the All Blacks squad due to ongoing symptoms of concussion.
Blues back George Moala will remain in the squad after previously covering for Ngatai.
“He’ll carry on going through the protocols so our advice is it’s better to leave him out,” assistant coach Ian Foster said.
“It was good for him to connect and we’ll just review that on a week-by-week basis.”
Ryan Crotty is now the front runner for the inside centre position for the All Blacks.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
