Robinson signing completes Waratahs squad for 2007

The NSW Waratahs have signed talented young Northern Suburbs flanker Beau Robinson to a three year deal, completing their squad for the 2007 Super 14 season.

Often compared to Phil Waugh both in looks and style of play, the blond haired 20 year old will now serve as back up for the Wallaby number seven when the new season kicks off.

A debutant against the Brumbies in round one of the Australian Provincial Championship Robinson then impressed on the Waratahs Gulf Air Development Tour to the UK and Ireland, finishing as just one of three players to feature in every match on tour.

“It’s awesome, a massive relief,” Robinson said.

“Ewen (McKenzie) mentioned before the tour there was still a contract up for grabs and if I did well I’d be in with a chance to take it out.

“Hopefully the experience I gained on tour and in the APC will stand me in good stead come the start of next year.”

The Northern Territory born, Dubbo bred openside will spend 2007 on a rookie contract before graduating to a full two year deal in 2008.

“This is a signing for the future,” HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said.

“It’s a bit out of the ordinary to sign a player for three years but Beau is someone we have a lot of faith in.

“He’s young and keen and brings to the team values that we believe are important for success.

“He also showed more than enough during the APC and on tour to justify the long term investment.

“We’re very happy he’s decided to stay a Waratah.”

A member of the NSW Waratah Academy since late 2005, Robinson was educated at St. Stanislaus College, Bathurst, winning Australian Schoolboys selection in 2004.

Immediately after leaving school he joined the Bulldogs Rugby League club, spending a year playing Jersey Flegg for the NRL outfit.

Since returning to the 15-man code Robinson has represented NSW Under 19’s, the Waratah Academy, NSW A, and the Waratahs, as well as making his first grade debut with Northern Suburbs.

BEAU ROBINSON

Position: Flanker
Physical: 1.81m; 97kg
Born: 15.08.86, Alice Springs, NT
Club: Northern Suburbs
State Caps: 6
State Debut: 2006 v Brumbies (APC)
State Points: Nil
Super Rugby Caps: Uncapped

Beau Robinson is a tearaway young flanker from the Northern Suburbs club who burst onto the scene with a big year at both club and representative level in 2006. A debutant against the Brumbies in round one of the APC, he went on to become one of just three players to feature in all four matches on the Waratahs development tour of the UK & Ireland. After spending a year with the Bulldogs rugby league club in 2005 Robinson returned to Rugby, representing NSW U19’s, the Waratah Academy, NSW A and the Waratahs in quick succession. Still only 20 years of age, Beau will be a more than able back up to Wallaby number seven Phil Waugh in the seasons to come.