WORLD Cup winner Jason Robinson is to make a sensational return to the game - with Fylde rugby union club.
Hailed by Fylde officials as 'the best rugby player ever' he is to make a comeback at the age of 35.

Robinson, who scaled the heights at both codes of rugby, last played in 2007-8, but he is ready to resume his career in an attempt to galvanise

Fylde both on and off the field.
As well as playing, he will help the club in community-based activities.
Robinson, who was awarded an OBE, attained legendary status both in League and Union.

He still feels he can make a big contribution to Fylde and said he was looking forward to working alongside coach Mark Nelson and Brian Ashton, who has been brought in as a consultant at the Woodlands.

Nelson, who was backs coach for a time when Robinson was at Sale, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have signed Jason for next season.

"Given his record in both codes of the game, it's not an exaggeration to say that 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."

Ashton, the former England coach, 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."

Robinson won't be officially unveiled until a press conference on Thursday when he will outline his reasons for coming out of retirement to link up with Fylde

At Wigan RL, Robinson won 12 caps for Great Britain and seven for England before switching to the union code and proceeding to represent England on 51 occasions.

He is also a British Lion, part of the 2001 tour to Australia, and the 2005 party in New Zealand.

He earned the nickname 'Billy Whizz' for the way his blinding speed and fast footwork used to dazzle opponents.

He joined Bath in 1996 for a brief period and linked up with Ashton, who has just begun to coach once again at the Woodlands following a distinguished playing career there in the 1970s.

Robinson made a permanent switch to rugby in 2000 with Sale Sharks.

He played for the Sharks up to his retirement from full-time club rugby at the end of 2007.

Among many career highlights was his crucial try against Australia in England's epic 2003 World Cup Final win in Sydney.

His last appearance for his country was in the World Cup Final against South Africa in 2007 when Ashton was in charge.

H was the surprising coach to be Sale head coach in 2009-10, but he left at the end of that season.

blackpool gazette

26/07/2010