England head coach Andy Robinson has said that former skipper Jason Robinson could return to the side before next year’s World Cup in France if the conditions are right.
Currently captain of Sale Sharks, Robinson captained England in his final season of Test rugby, but retired a year ago after collecting 35 caps and scoring 22 tries during a four-and-a-half-year international career that also included two Lions tours.
The speedy utility back was a key player in the England team that won the World Cup for the first time in Australia in November 2003.
The 32-year-old has already indicated he might rethink his retirement decision if England needed him.
”I know Jason has expressed an interest in playing for England again,” said Robinson following his elite squad’s three-day training camp at Loughborough University.
”But the timing has got to be right for Jason. At the moment, he is not fully available to play international rugby.”
The former rugby league star would relish working with England’s new attack supremo Brian Ashton, who is part of a new-look coaching support staff alongside John Wells and Mike Ford.
Robinson featured as a fullback, wing and centre in England colours, and there can be little doubt he would make the World Cup squad, if available for selection. — AFP
