Farewell Billy Whizz
Last updated: 30th November 2007
Robinson: bidding farewell
Thursdays on Sky Sports
The Rugby Club paid tribute to Jason Robinson as he prepared to tread the Twickenham turf for one last time.
Robinson is set to bring the curtain down on a glittering career for the Barbarians against world champions South Africa on Saturday and The Rugby Club canvassed opinion on a legend in both codes of the game.
And from Mark Cueto to Andy Farrell, most people were in full agreement that 'Billy Whizz' will be remembered as a true rugby great.
"Over the last 12 years he has been probably the most respected rugby player in the world. He has dazzling footwork and blinding acceleration, but what stands out more than anything, beside his obvious natural talent, is his competitive attitude. And I think that's the sign of a true champion." (Shaun Edwards)
"A great thing was said by Eddie O'Sullivan, who is going to coach the Barbarians. He said it was great to be preparing with Jason Robinson, not against him. He was a freak in both codes, but a freak in the most beautiful sense of the word. He didn't know what he was doing, but he could change a game on its head and I'll never forget that try he scored in the World Cup final. Just brilliant." (Dewi Morris)
"Everyone was mesmerised by his footwork when he first came to Wigan as a 17-year-old. The whole of rugby league and rugby union are going to miss Jason Robinson. Nobody stays at the top for as long as he has without being a winner." (Andy Farrell)
"The key word is winner. Sheer will to win defines the world-class players from the normal and the mortal. I think he had that sheer determination to win and he had the work ethic, application and attitude as well as the obvious talent. He was different. People didn't know what to do to defend against him. Rugby defences really had no answer to him." (Ieuan Evans)
"He's a one-off. He was an absolute genius in his ability to beat defenders one on one. He was a great guy to have around and his record speaks for itself." (Mark Cueto)
"He could create absolutely anything." (Charlie Hodgson)
"I watched Jason Robinson training and he would kick a ball time after time an hour after everyone else had left. People talk about Jonny Wilkinson's work ethic and it is unbelievable, but this guy's was right up there. His footwork, his natural ability and his will to win combined with that work ethic made him a modern great." (Stuart Barnes).
"I've had so many years and done so many great things and I've not actually taken all that in yet. I've been spoiled, it's as simple as that. I've played with the best players in the world in both codes and I've just enjoyed it." (Jason Robinson)
