Benn Robinson never expected he would be retiring when he laced his boots up to face the Brumbies in April of this year.
The 73-times capped Wallabies prop has been forced to hang up his boots after an unfortunate accident in a Super Rugby maul.
Robinson was competing for possession when, in attempting to get to the ball, Brumbies forward Rory Arnold poked him in the eye. The incident led to severe retina damage and eventually required surgery.
Robinson’s retina may yet require further surgeries and his vision is still blurry. Doctors advised him it would be best to quit the game.
‘Cat’ is Super Rugby’s most capped prop. He has been a stalwart for the Waratahs and his country for well over a decade and claimed a Super Rugby title with his club in 2014. His final Test outings were losses to Ireland and England on the November 2014 tour to Europe.
Robinson cut an emotional figure at the press conference announcing his retirement. He told reporters:
“Rugby is made me who I am here today. It has been a big part of my life for so many years, for it to end like this is very disappointing. A big thank you to the Waratahs. It is a really special place to come here and play. I am really fortunate to have pulled on the jersey for so many years.”
The 31-year-old could never be accused of not having perspective on the end of this stage of a successful career. He commented:
“I was sitting in the [doctors] office two weeks ago when I heard the story of a guy getting a brain tumour. I got a poke in the eye. There are worse things in life.
“I was very fortunate to have such a long career. I wasn’t expecting for it to end with a poke in the eye. I thought it would be the back or the neck.”
Former Wallabies teammate Adam Ashley Cooper aptly summed up Robinson’s nature
Always looking out for his mates. @benn_robbo take a bow catty, you had an incredible career x
🐱💙 pic.twitter.com/9A1kw6wuz7— Adam Ashley-Cooper (@AdamCoopy) June 7, 2016
