Squeezed-out Robson ready to take on his next challenge
CARDIFF’S Arwel Robson fervently believes he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in and, after following his boyhood dream to play in the Welsh capital, he’s now hungry to show his qualities in either England or France next season.
The Wales age-grade international has suffered a frustrating return to Welsh rugby this season, never getting a clear shot in the Blue and Blacks’ starting XV, but feels he’s better for a year at his boyhood club.
With Callum Sheedy signed from Bristol for next season, and the Arms Park’s doors revolving accordingly, Robson is weighing up his options as he looks for the opportunity to show the qualities that previously made him Dragons, and the Cornish Pirates, talisman.
Robson told The Rugby Paper: “It’s been great to be in, and training and working day-in, day-out with Tinus [de Beer], Mason [Grady], Josh Adams and others has been fantastic for my skillset and to improve my game.
“The intensity and speed of training and the environment has been that notch up from my time in Cornwall, and I’ve been able to take little bits of learning from the Cardiff set-up, that’s invaluable.
“This season is only going to help me in my career moving forward, both in what I’ve learnt and the frustrations I’ve had to deal with.”
After lighting up the Championship for the Penzance side, and scoring 280 points in 47 games over two years, the 27-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Cardiff.
He’s featured in just three URC fixtures so far, and instead has had to make do with racking up the points for Cardiff RFC in the Welsh Premiership while keeping himself match-fit.
Despite that the father of one feels he made the right decision, and that other factors beyond his control have been critical.
“I came to Cardiff with the intention of playing a lot of rugby, it’s my boyhood dream and the club I supported as a boy,” Robson
said. “I have no regrets following my dream because rugby is a short career and you have to take the opportunities when they come.
“But I can only do what I can get, I’m not picking the team and I can’t change people’s opinions. Tinus has gone well, but they have preferred a 6-2 split on the bench and that’s meant there’s been fewer opportunities off the bench.
“There’s been less clashes with internationals, that has also meant less opportunities, I’ve had to be the travelling reserve a number of times, and that’s just professional sport and I’ve just got to live with it.”
With Cardiff having a lacklustre season, sitting 12th in the URC table with only three wins, while budgets have been increasingly squeezed due to the WRU’s precarious financial position and the club announcing a £2.1m operating loss in recent weeks, Robson is likely to join the continuing exodus of Wales’ players.
He added: “It’s been tough to take, and it’s not been nice to watch at times. The most frustrating thing is not being able to show the ability I have, and with results as they’ve been I thought I’d get more opportunities.
“The regions squads are shrinking again for next season, and with there being only so many opportunities in Wales it’s probably the toughest time to be a professional rugby player.
“I know some boys looking at options away from Wales or away from the sport, but rugby is all I know, and I’ve had some interest from clubs in France which is exciting.
“I’m fortunate in having a supportive young family, that puts it all into perspective. I feel I’m in my prime and I’m just hungry for that next opportunity and to show what I can do.”