Ashton hails 'remarkable' Robinson

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Keeping with tradition for England players who reach the half-century milestone, Robinson is set to lead out the team against France in the World Cup semi-final on Saturday night.

"He is a remarkable rugby player and I am delighted he came out of (international) retirement (earlier this year)," said Ashton "I had spoken to Jason in September last year - I think we bumped into each other at Sale and I was keen to get him back. I was delighted when he said yes."

Reflecting on Robinson's playing career in both rugby codes, Ashton added: "I started to watch him play from an early age. When I moved down from Lancashire to the south-west I still used to go back up and watch Wigan rugby league.

"I just remember Jason being part of a phenomenal rugby team - and I could not believe my luck in 1996 when I was head coach at Bath and Jason came down to play for us for four months. It was an incredibly exciting time for me."