Adieu Billy Whizz

Its been said that Football is a game of gentlemen played by Ruffians and that Rugby is a game of Ruffians played by gentlemen.

Last weekend hosted the last competitive performance for one of the true heroes/all-time greats of British Sport and indeed Rugby- Jason Robinson.

Robinson was nicknamed "Billy Whizz" -after the fleet-footed Beano comic character- for his blistering runs/sheer speed on the Rugby pitch. He will also be fondly remembered as one of the most committed, determined, accomplished and brave men to grace the Rugby pitch- of all time.

Robinson was born in Leeds in 1974 and started his career at Hunslet a South Leeds team and inspite of having been offered a contract by Leeds, stuck with his Hunslet, later joining Wigan in the Rugby League, winning the Rugby League Cup whilst there. Robinson was to make history by his successful transition to Rugby Union on joining Sale Sharks in November 2000.

He first played Union for England in February 2001, as a substitute agains Italy, having previously played Rugby League for England, being only the second man in history to have played at International level under both codes. He was also selected for the British Lions tour of 2001, scoring a memorable try against Australia in the 29-13 win, in which he completely outsprinted and outfoxed Australian fullback- Chris Latham. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7nIZ1e0u0

Robinson's greatest moment in my view was his try in the Rugby World Cup 2003 final against Australia, of which he displayed his remarkable strength and speed in scoring what in my view was the most important try of the tournament judging by the narrow point lead by which England won the match and by extension the tournament.

Robinson also captained England in the 2003 Internationals, he was however at the helm in what was England's worst Six-Nations performance in 2005. He eventually retired from the International game in September 2005, to spend time with his family but came back to be part of the British Lions Tour and indeed the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

I will also cite his performace, injury and recovery at this World Cup as another of his greatest moments. Robinson was injured during the whitewash defeat by South Africa, with a severe Hamstring Injury only to recover and return for the Quarter-finals and play a part in the final, which performance by the team was exemplary of the conduct exhibited by Robinson throughout his career- sheer guts, determination, discipline and courage.

In his personal life he had initially been subject to the scourge of Rugby players- i.e Drink and women, but eventually became a born-again Christian, via the influence of his ex-Wigan team-mate - Va'iaga Tuigamala, a change that certainly extended his career. A consummate family-man, Robinson always insisted on touring with his wife and children. He was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 2003 after the World Cup.

In an era of ego-inflated Footballers, Drug-charged Track-stars and Rapacious Basketballers, Robinson and several of his ilk in Rugby stands as a strong example of a great sportsman, sterling gentleman and true national hero.

I've placed a photo tribute above to a man I consider a personal inspiration.