Billy Whizz back in action

Robinson out of retirement to represent Fylde RFC

Last updated: 26th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Billy Whizz back in action

Robinson: out of retirement

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England World Cup winner Jason Robinson is to come out of retirement to play for Fylde RFC in the 2010/2011 season.

The club, based in Lytham in Lancashire, play in the National League Two North - three tiers below the Aviva Premiership.

Robinson, 35, has agreed to play for Fylde and also help the club with community activities off the field.

He will link up with former England head coach Brian Ashton, who recently joined the club as a coaching consultant, and also Mark Nelson, Sale's backs coach in their Premiership-winning 2005-06 season.

Robinson retired from club rugby at the end of the 2006/07 season for Sale Sharks, with his last appearance for England coming in the 2007 World Cup final against South Africa.

A dual code international, during his time in rugby league he won 12 caps for Great Britain and seven for England before switching to union and representing England on 51 occasions.

Ashton said of Robinson's decision to join Fylde: "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."

Nelson, now Fylde's head coach, added: "I am absolutely delighted we have signed Jason for next season. Given his record in both codes of the game, it's not an exaggeration to say 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."