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Jason Robinson: giving back to Rugby League

We can motivate them to stick with it and just nurture that talent that they've got, because they're very talented players and all they need is the encouragement and the facilities.

Jason Robinson on his dual code ambassadorial role for Gillette.
Quotes of the week

Jason Robinson spoke to Boots 'n' All about his return to Rugby League as a Gillette grass-roots ambassador.

Billy Whizz returns to Rugby League in an ambassadorial role for Gillette who are sponsoring junior and senior Rugby to the tune of £500,000.

The former Wigan winger will be coaching youngsters in order to give something back to the game that brought him huge success in both codes of Rugby.

Robinson will take on the role alongside former Great Britain skipper Paul Sculthorpe in order to encourage, promote and give coaching tips to future talents.

He told Boots: "You may be at 14 years old thinking 'well, I'll never get to that level, it's alright for them'.

"But actually myself and Paul Sculthorpe and many, many other top professional players have come through the system.

"And if we can do it, why can't they?

"If they can see us then we can motivate them to stick with it and just nurture that talent that they've got, because they're very talented players and all they need is the encouragement and the facilities.

"Through the Gillette programme that will certainly help."

Legacy

Great Britain coach, Tony Smith will be using Robinson's know-how on winning World Cups ahead of this year's Rugby League showpiece and with his help, the British game will only benefit.

"I think we will have more children playing," said Smith, "which gives us a bigger pool to pick from. Not only myself but future coaches will see the benefits of these sort of campaigns.

"This can leave a long legacy."

Shaun McRae, Salford City Reds Coach, also paid tribute to Robinson.

"If you're looking for an ambassador I don't think you could look at anyone who is any more qualified in terms of being a champion athlete, someone who graced the Rugby League fields with sheer athleticism and excited the crowds everywhere.

"But I think it's more the off-field Jason Robinson who people won't remember - his charity work and the fact that he's a caring person.

"I think there's a real affinity with the younger player of today - someone for them to look up to."