England rugby legend and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson delayed his retirement to play in England’s fourth tier, where he helped Fylde RFC achieve promotion.
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Despite stepping away from the elite level, Robinson joined the Lancashire-based club for the love of the game, working under the guidance of his former England coach, Brian Ashton.
Love for the Game Keeps Robinson Going
Speaking about his return to the field, Robinson reflected on the differences between his time at Fylde and his professional career. “It’s quite different from playing at Sale, but it is an environment where I can enjoy it,” said Robinson.
“I have never lost my appetite for the game, even though the World Cup final seems a long way from Fylde today,” he added, showing his enduring passion for rugby.
Stepping Down from Roles at Fylde
In July 2011, Robinson officially stepped down from his coaching and club ambassador roles at Fylde’s Woodlands Memorial Ground. After battling with injuries, the former England winger announced his decision, citing health concerns.
“I need a knee operation and I have been thinking about retiring once and for all over the past couple of months,” Robinson explained to BBC Radio Lancashire.
“After 541 games of competitive rugby, I think the time is right to stop.”
In his one season at the club he helped Fylde gain promotion from National 2 North to National League One.
A Storied Career in Both Codes of Rugby
Robinson, one of the fastest players of all-time, began his illustrious career in rugby league, playing for Hunslet before joining Wigan in 1992. Over the next eight years, he made over 300 appearances, but in 2000, he switched codes to join Sale Sharks and transitioned to rugby union. He became a key figure in Sir Clive Woodward’s dominant England side, famously scoring a try in the 2003 World Cup final during extra time, sealing a 20-17 victory over Australia.
Reflecting on Success
Looking back on his achievements, Robinson expressed contentment with his career. “I have had a fantastic career and a good year with Fylde, especially with the promotion to National League One,” he said.
“But it is the right time to quit while I am ahead. When I look back at the stats, World Cups, Lions tours, and Challenge Cups, I can certainly reflect on some fantastic memories.
What the 2003 Rugby World Cup heroes look like now, some are very different
Take a look at how some of the key players look now:
Phil Vickery
A former Gloucester and London Wasps prop, Phil Vickery called time on his career at the end of the 2010 Premiership season. The two-time British & Irish Lion was a revered opponent across the world, and has since started a successful clothing brand ‘Raging Bull’, with his on-field nickname. Vickery was forced into retirement due to a series of neck injuries, and in 2012 he joined Worcester Warriors as their Scrum Coach.
Vickery has also tried his hand at sports broadcasting, as he was apart of the commentary team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His on-screen appearances have also been witnessed across a variety of TV shows, including ‘Celebrity MasterChef’, which he won in 2011. An eternal fan favourite at Kingsholm Stadium, Vickery was appointed the title of Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 2015.
Jonny Wilkinson
Renowned for his iconic drop-goal that secured victory against Australia in the 2003 final, Wilkinson transitioned into a coaching role with Toulon, focusing on kicking and skills development following his retirement. He also now works as a pundit for ITV Sport during Rugby World Cup’s and the Six Nations.
Will Greenwood
Greenwood continued to shine on the international stage following the 2003 glory, and went on to represent the British & Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He ended his career at Harlequins in 2006, and soon gave his experienced views through analysis and punditry. Greenwood co-hosted the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ TV series with former Wales international Scott Quinnell, and was an on-screen analyst for ITV as England reached the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Will has also explored opportunities away from rugby, and is the current Chief Customer Officer for data and software company Afiniti’s London office. Greenwood’s family was struck with tragedy, after his son Freddie died just 45 minutes after being born. The former England centre underwent an inspirational walk to the North Pole in memory of his son, and helped to raise over £750,000 for Borne’s research. Greenwood is a patron of Borne, who are a medical research charity that work with cases of premature birth. He is also a patron of Child Bereavement UK, which is a charity that support parents who have lost a child.