Robbie Robinson (rugby union)

Robert Blair Robinson (born 22 August 1989 in Westport, New Zealand) is a professional rugby union player who represents Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi in the Japan.

Robert Robinson
Birth nameRobert Blair Robinson
Date of birth (1989-08-22) 22 August 1989 (age 35)
Place of birthWestport, New Zealand
Height1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight84 kg (13 st 3 lb)
SchoolSouthland Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) First five-eighth, Fullback
Current team Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2013
2010–2011
2012–2013
2014
2015–2017
2017–2020
2018-2020
2022-present
Southland
Highlanders
Chiefs
North Harbour
Toyota Verblitz
Ricoh Black Rams
Sunwolves
Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi
57
20
24
8
23
29
5
5
(258)
(54)
(15)
(8)
(25)
(103)
(0)
(28)
Correct as of 25 April 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2009
2010–2014
New Zealand U20
Māori All Blacks
6
6
(29)
(23)
Correct as of 25 April 2021

Playing career

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Robinson made his debut for Southland in round three 2008 Air New Zealand Cup against the Hawke's Bay Magpies. He played majority of his games at fullback rather than his favoured first five-eighth position due to the competition's top scorer Blair Stewart having cemented the role for the season.

In 2009 Robinson was selected for the New Zealand Under 20s team for the Junior World Cup in Japan. Robinson played the majority of the tournament at fullback[1] due to the team's captain Aaron Cruden being a specialist first five-eighth. The team went through the tournament unbeaten, defeating England 44–28 in the final.[2]

His season continued with Southland making a great start to the competition after being second after 8 rounds of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. However a string of bad performances led to the team needing to win their final round Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury. The team came out of the game victorious with Robinson kicking three penalties leading the Stags to a win and ending the 50 year shield drought.

His form led to him securing a Highlanders contract for the 2010 and 2011 Super Rugby seasons. In 2012, after two years with the Highlanders, he signed with the Chiefs, with his contract extending until the 2014 season.

He scored the Chiefs' winning try in the 2013 Super Rugby final in a 27–22 win against the Brumbies.

He was released by the Chiefs in 2014 after a frustrating injury that kept him out for the entire campaign.

On June 24 2022, he was announced as having signed for the Southland Stags for the 2022 Bunnings NPC.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Savory, Logan (28 May 2009). "Robbie Robinson may start at 15". Southland Times. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
  2. ^ Davidson, Martin (22 June 2009). "NZ retain world under-20 rugby title". Ruby Heaven. NZPA. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
  3. ^ "Robbie Robinson's close to decade-long Southland Stags hiatus to end". 24 June 2022.
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