Robinson shock for England
2005-09-25 14:45
London - England's World Cup winning fullback Jason Robinson announced on Sunday he was retiring from international rugby, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
Robinson, 31, who scored England's only try in their World Cup win over Australia in 2003, made his shock decision just days before the squad is named for the autumn Test series.
"The time has arrived to put my family and my wife before the England team," he told the Mail on Sunday.
"My children want their Daddy, not some so-called superstar."
Robinson has had a mixed past year, although it started positively last November with his appointment as England captain for the Twickenham clash against Canada.
He replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson and became the first rugby league convert to skipper England.
However, England lost first three matches in the Six Nations Championship - their worst record since 1987 - and Robinson was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a torn ligament in his right thumb.
Robinson believes he could still be an asset to coach Andy Robinson.
"Physically, I know I still have a lot to offer England so, in many ways this was a hard decision for me to make.
"I didn't want to let Andy, or any of the England guys down but the pull of my family proved greater.
"I've got five children and a beautiful wife and it's time for them to be placed first."
- AFP