Next Robinson stepping up in coaching world

AMBITIOUS Jersey Reds’ new assistant coach Ed Robinson is relishing his opportunity to join up with Harvey Biljon’s side for next season.

The 25-year-old – son of former England and Scotland coach, Andy, and brother of Cardiff Blues flanker Olly – spent the final third of the 2017/18 season working alongside Nic Rouse at Rotherham Titans, where he helped inspire a resurgence at the Yorkshire club.

Robinson, below, was in Bilbao to watch Olly’s manof-the-match Challenge Cup final performance, and while appreciating his family’s rich rugby heritage, he is now determined to make his own mark on the game.

“We are a rugby family, but this is me on my journey,” said Robinson, who has been coaching since his playing career as a fly-half was ended by concussion problems in 2011.

“I’m on my own schedule and I’m exactly on time. Rotherham gave me the opportunity – Nic Rouse took a massive risk to bring me in – and from there, Jersey came calling. I had a few conversations with Harvey, he liked what I was doing, and I think we fit together pretty well.”

Despite being one of the youngest coaches in the professional game, Robinson doesn’t see age as any barrier to success – focusing instead on the clarity and detail of his delivery.

“The way I look at it is, if I was still playing and I was playing at fly-half, I would be expected to run the team – why is it any different because I’m not playing?

“You look at Owen Farrell and George Ford, I think they are some of the best coaches in rugby, in the way that they talk to the other players and help the other players.

“So, me being on the touchline and not on the pitch – and being 25 – is not a big issue for me, but what it does force me to do is be spot on with everything I say.

“To go to an ambitious club like Jersey is pretty exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”