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BEAU ROBINSON, one of the top rated up-and-coming openside breakaways in Super 14 a year ago, is still perplexed how the doors of opportunity in Australian rugby have closed on him.
After being inexplicably released by the Waratahs, he was overlooked by the Reds for the seasoned Kiwi Daniel Braid and Lei Tomiki. And the rosters are full at the Force and the Brumbies.
Asked where his professional playing future lay, Robinson, who played in 12 of the Waratahs' 13 games last year, but failed to make their 22-man squad this year, yesterday replied: ''Definitely overseas. [There is] nothing in Australia. No one … wants me.
''I would have liked to have been given the opportunity anywhere. But I suppose with the quality of 7s - there are three blokes in the Wallabies and Daniel Braid, who was the understudy to Richie McCaw at the All Blacks, and Lei Tomiki coming back - it hasn't happened.''
But rather than feel sorry for himself, Robinson, 23, has worked out a path towards hopefully resurrecting his rugby career in Australia and proving his doubters wrong.
Last night he signed an eight-month deal to play in Italy with the Benevento Gladiators in Serie A. However, before joining his new club he will fulfil his commitments with Sydney club Warringah, leading them in Saturday's Shute Shield elimination final against Gordon at Pittwater Park. Once in Italy, he aims to play so well he will be picked for the likely Melbourne Super 15 side for 2011.
Is Robinson driven by a desire to keep a rugby dream alive or seek revenge on his detractors?
''All those,'' he said. ''Prove people wrong, that you are better than what they may think. Also, just to do well for Warringah and show faith back. Being appointed captain was an honour.
''But also when there was talk of this new team, that helped. With Saturday a TV game and the start of the finals, hopefully there will be a fair few people watching. And with this new team being talked about, there is a lot of interest about where the people are going to come from.''
As positive as Robinson is now, he has not forgotten the hardship of this year with the Waratahs when he returned from an early season injury to repeatedly miss selection in the 22-man squad.
The lowest moment came when he was named in the 26-man squad to tour South Africa for the last three rounds, only to learn the next day that he was out after a rethink because of injuries. It summed up a season Robinson describes as ''tough''.
But it can still end on a high if Warringah overcome the disappointment of their unexpected 26-26 draw in last Saturday's round-22 game against Southern Districts and beat Gordon.
''It has probably worked out not too bad for us,'' Robinson said of last Saturday's outcome. ''If we had of won we would have played Manly. I don't think you really want to play a local derby in the semis because it can take it out of you for the next couple of weeks.''
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...201224274.html
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