Keith Robinson si ritira

[Pakeha_70]

Dispiace per lui. Carriera piena di infortuni.

Robbo forced to quit: 'My knee has gone'

All Blacks, Chiefs and Waikato lock Keith Robinson has announced his retirement from all rugby with injury finally bringing a premature end to his career.

The 30-year-old second rower said that his left knee could not sustain any more rugby campaigns.

"The decision to retire was an easy one because of the injury, but the hard part will be getting used to the fact I won't be playing rugby again," he said in a statement.

"I'd love to keep playing, but sadly injury has put a stop to that. I'm at the stage now with my knee that I would not be able to be managed through a campaign.

"I've had some great moments in my career. Every debut match for the teams I have been part of are special memories for me, and there have been some other great games."

Persistent back and leg injuries restricted the Waikato hard man to just 12 tests in five years.

Even this year both his Tri-Nations and World Cup campaigns were seriously restricted by injuries.

Robinson said special matches included his All Blacks debut in 2002, playing in this year's Rugby World Cup, Waikato winning the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup final, Waikato beating Canterbury in a high-scoring game in 2002 and the Chiefs beating the Crusaders in the final round of the Rebel Sport Super 14 this year.

Robinson says he will now concentrate on his gym business in Te Aroha but hasn't ruled out getting involved in rugby in some form in the future.

He has been used as a lineout coach in the past while sidelined by injury.

There were many accolades for Robinson, a tough as teak competitor who had a mild manner away from the field. He loves his fishing and pig-hunting and will surely look to continue these interests.

"Keith has shown true grit and determination throughout his career and the way he returned from serious injury showed the real character of the man," said New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew.

"He played the game with real fire and passion and he will be missed by rugby fans the world over. We wish him all the best for the future."

Added: Waikato chief executive Graham Bowen: "Robinson was a crowd favourite, well liked by his team mates and his presence on the rugby field will be missed by his supporters. It is a great shame injury has put an end to such a successful career."

Chiefs franchise boss Gary Dawson noted: "Robinson showed great work ethic on and off the field in his time with the Chiefs and Waikato Rugby. He will be remembered by all as one of the great rugby players to come out of this region. He represented his province, franchise and country with distinction."

At provincial level, Robinson played 20 games for Thames Valley, 20 for Taranaki, and put on the Mooloo jersey 29 times since his Waikato debut in August 2002.

He played 42 matches for the Chiefs.

Despite his frequent injuries Robinson, through mental strength and his superb conditioning, always managed to come back in strong form.

It was this trait that saw All Blacks coach Graham Henry retain his faith in Robinson. That faith was tested at the World Cup where a calf injury suffered in an early training session, saw Robinson have to sit out the first three pool games.

He was picked for the final pool match against Romania and then played his final test the following week in the quarter-final loss to France.

[SondrioRugby]

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