The Waratahs’ highest-ever capped player and Australia’s second-most capped Test prop Benn Robinson has announced his retirement after sustaining an eye injury against the Brumbies in Round 8 of Super Rugby.
Affectionately known as ‘Fat Cat’, the 31-year-old has been a stalwart for Australian rugby over his long and eventful career, joining the Waratahs squad in 2004 and going on to represent the franchise on 148 occasions.
Robinson is Wallaby number 814 hailing from the Sydney suburb of Glenorie. He played his first rugby at the Beecroft Rugby Club and at The King’s School, where he was involved in their 1st XV.
Robinson scored nine tries in his Super Rugby career, and three for the Wallabies including this one against France in 2010:
Robinson’s eye injury caused blood cells to appear in the anterior chamber of the eye; a condition called microscopic hyphema.
He underwent surgery to relieve pressure within the eye and to fix a tear to the retina. He is expected to regain full sight but was advised to end his rugby career at the risk of further damaging his eye.
Waratahs captain Dave Dennis spoke on behalf of the club, saying:
“As a playing group we are all disappointed for Benn, having to end his career as a result of his eye injury,” Dennis said.
“Benn has been the cornerstone of our scrum for over a decade and has been a loyal servant in the Waratahs jersey.
“More importantly Benn has been a great team man who has added immensely to the history of our club. All players, past and present, have enjoyed having his likeable personality among our team.
“On behalf of the playing group I would like to thank Benn for his contribution to the team and wish him well in his life after rugby.”
Robinson is just the third Wallaby prop to reach 50 Test matches after Al Baxter and Ewen McKenzie. He was named Australia’s favourite player in 2009 and was runner-up for the John Eales Medal.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika paid tribute to Robinson, who he coached to a Super Rugby title in 2014.
“Every player who has the honour of playing for the Wallabies has a responsibility to leave their own special mark on the jersey for the next generation to shape and build on, which Benn has certainly done.
“He should be incredibly proud of what he achieved in his career, and excited about what lies ahead.”
ScrumJunkie
Guest
This sucks. What a career, will never forget the end of year tour where you Benny Alexander destroyed all comers. At your peak you were the best loosehead in world rugby, and at a time where the wallabies put very little thought into the a scrum.
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Well done Ben. Thanks
cs
Roar Guru
Goodonya Benny. Terrible shame to go early, but a wonderful contribution. A much smarter player than he was usually given credit for by the work-rate clipboard brigade.
Utah
Guest
Underrated player. Very good scrummager. The Waratah's scrum wasn't the same without him.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Congrats on a very good career Fat cat, great servant to the Tahs and Wallabies, amazing he never featured in a World Cup despite playing for so long. By all accounts he's a great bloke, all the very best in retirement.
jeznez
Roar Guru
What was I thinking Chooky - I bet Benn did the video editing himself and selected those as his finest moments. Although surprised he didn't include his other two tries for the Wallabies!
Machooka
Roar Guru
jeznez... 'a shame they didn't share any scrummaging h'lights above'. Like really? Like really are you serious?? Geez jeznez... what about the crazy sidesteps, the charges up the middle of the park for 120 metres, and, my fav, the vicious don't argues using his massive chest instead of his arms?? :)
p.Tah
Guest
Best of luck mate and thanks
PeterK
Roar Guru
Agree, the change in scrumming laws really curtailed his scrumming effectiveness without being able to duck dive, and not having a particularly strong core.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Great job Fat Cat - brilliant effort over the years. Just a shame they didn't share any scrummaging highlights above - loved the old days when you could do that little duck dive and get underneath larger tightheads by packing closer to them than they could handle.
Fin
Guest
Well Done Fat Cat
Machooka
Roar Guru
Agree Brett... and also this forced retirement was mentioned before the game between the Tahs and Chefs a couple of weeks ago. At the time I was a little shocked that the eye injury he sustained was so significant. Well done Fat Cat... you were a great team player with both the Tahs, and the Wallaby! I wish you only the best for your next stage in life... go well!
Brett McKay
Expert
It's always a shame when players have retirement forced upon them, and it's no different for Benn Robinson. Humble servant of the game..