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PARIS - England's World Cup winning full-back Jason Robinson will win his 50th cap on Saturday in the semi-final against France, a match-up which he says makes his decision to come out of retirement all the more worthwhile.
The 33-year-old former rugby league great, who will retire completely from the sport after England's World Cup campaign ends, said he was delighted he had not just been a passenger since he opted to return to the international fold after over a year away from September 2005 to January 2007.
"It's been all about England and it has been a massive year," said Robinson, who won 12 Great Britain caps and seven England caps in rugby league and has played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
"What was most important to me was that I made a contribution to the team.
"This is a great way for me to finish, but as Phil Vickery (England captain) said it is a case of being massively proud when you pull on the England shirt.
"And the return has worked out well especially as I'm finishing on a high," added Robinson, who scored England's sole try in their epic World Cup win over Australia in the 2003 final.
Robinson admitted that he had not expected to play such a role when he first made his rugby union debut for Sale against Coventry in 2000 after a glittering club rugby league career with Wigan, with who he won the world club championship in 1994.
"One of my main aims when I made the switch to rugby union was to play internationally for England," said Robinson.
"Little did I think, though, that I'd retire and return in such a manner."
England coach Brian Ashton said that he had always had Robinson marked out as a potential superstar of the code, ever since the player known as 'Billy Whiz' spent time with him and the Bath players in 1995.
"I watched him early on in his career at Wigan in the late 80s and early 90s and I just remember him being one of the most exciting players in the game," said the coach.
"I couldn't believe my luck when in 1995 Jason came to Bath to play with us for a short time. He is a remarkable player, you never know what he's going to do next which is the type of player I like.
"He has exceeded expectations since he came back."
From fellow World Cup winner Mike Catt there was equally high praise.
"He is amazing, over 500 games at the top level in both codes and he is a model professional," said the 36-year-old South African-born centre.
"He is an awesome bloke, very influential, a great leader and has the utmost respect from all the players.
"He is a unique talent and right up at the top with the best. It is a good swansong for him and he has two big games left for him."
Robinson dedicated his 50th cap to his family.
"I have to say a big thank you to my wife, she's the one who has been making the sacrifices during my career," said Robinson.
"I'd like to dedicate my 50th cap to my wife and children."
- AFP
