Nicky Robinson
Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Nicky Robinson
By Andrew Collins
March 31 2009
After 8 years with Cardiff and the Blues, Nick Robinson will leave the Arms Park for West Country side Gloucester as he seeks to freshen up his rugby career. But having steered his side to an EDF Cup Final, as well as a Heineken Cup Quarter Final, has Nicky made the wrong decision to leave?
Nicky Robinson
March 31 2009
After 8 years with Cardiff and the Blues, Nick Robinson will leave the Arms Park for West Country side Gloucester as he seeks to freshen up his rugby career. But having steered his side to an EDF Cup Final, as well as a Heineken Cup Quarter Final, has Nicky made the wrong decision to leave?
"It's obviously been one of the hardest decisions I'll ever have to make in my rugby career. To decide to leave my hometown club, somewhere where I dreamt of playing, and spent a large part of my career was always going to be hard. However, it's something I felt I needed to do."
On March 13th, Cardiff Blues confirmed that one of their longest servants would be leaving the region having been ignored for too long on the national scene. It was announced that Nicky had signed for Gloucester, following his popular brother Jamie out of the Arms Park doors come the end of the season.
It came as worrying news for many Blues fans, who hold him in the highest regard, but Nicky divides opinion like no other player in Wales, and so there are some who will see his departure as a good thing for the region.
But having again shown on Saturday just how important he is to this team, few would begrudge him a call on Wales' summer tour. Other than three woeful penalty attempts to touch, the Blues fly half was faultless and vital in guiding his side to their first ever Cup Final, and Cardiff rugby's first since 1997.
However his now imminent departure to the Guinness Premiership may be his downfall. Like many players before him, Nicky may well be lost to International rugby having chosen to pursue a career in England.
For years, Nicky has carried the ‘inconsistent' tag, somewhat unfairly, since his days as a youngster when he showed flashes of brilliance in amongst some nightmarish moments. But in recent years he's showed maturity, control and confidence, and his game has come on leaps and bounds. Now 27, the Cardiff born product looks to be fulfilling his potential, but sadly is leaving before he has the chance to prove his doubters wrong.
Though he has 12 caps to his name already, Nicky has been shunned by Welsh coaches in recent years, despite his fine regional form, and his Head Coach Dai Young blames the national set up for his star stand off leaving.
"Not getting selected last November really hurt them. Nicky and Jamie are going because they have been here eight and 10 years and want have a new challenge, which I understand, [but] since I have been here, they are only the second and third players I did not want to leave."
Robinson's indifferent form in previous years understandably saw him fall to fourth choice behind Stephen Jones, James Hook and the up and coming Dan Biggar, but his if Welsh bosses have been watching him this year, then a call up must surely be one the cards, as he's been performing far better than his Osprey's counterparts.
But as Michael Owen, Hal Luscombe, Gareth Cooper, Dwayne Peel, Lee Thomas and Gareth Delve have all found out, plying your trade next door can come at a costly International price.
Much like Stephen Jones, Nicky seems to have grown into his position with age, and is now beginning to look the complete package, so will his decision to leave the Principality just as he hits his prime come back to haunt him?
Only time will tell, but if he can enjoy a successful spell with Gloucester away from the glaring Welsh public, Nicky could still have a important Welsh future ahead of him yet.
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Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 11:50
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 12:00
He has not. It's not good for us though.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: cheerycherry (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 12:40
Mefin Davies, Will James and Gareth Cooper were selected for Wales whilst playing at Glaws and Gareth Delve suffered his latest knee injury whilst actually on Wales duty so playing at Glaws obviously is not an issue. The way he is going, if Delve stays fit, he will be back playing for Wales soon enough and may even be an outside bet for the Lions.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 12:54
As far as the welsh squad goes, Nicky's face clearly doesnt fit. If he thought he'd a reasonable chance of winning more caps, I doubt he'd be leaving.
Ditto Jamie.
Ditto Jamie.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Spellchecker (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 13:06
Who's Dwaine Peel?
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: PhilBB - again (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 13:36
Maybe he wants to play for a proper rugby club after seeing his club become servants of a soccer club, meaning that games will be played at a concrete bowl that has no soul or affiliation to the club he loves.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: 3 FEATHERS (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 14:28
Well done for ruining a thread.Why do you feel the need to jump on every thread and bore us with your views on the new stadium?Get over it its happening and you are becoming a tiresome bore harping on about it all the time.We have all read your views and while you are entitled to them why not respect other peoples views as well.Just give it a rest.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 14:34
Quote:cheerycherry
Mefin Davies, Will James and Gareth Cooper were selected for Wales whilst playing at Glaws and Gareth Delve suffered his latest knee injury whilst actually on Wales duty so playing at Glaws obviously is not an issue. The way he is going, if Delve stays fit, he will be back playing for Wales soon enough and may even be an outside bet for the Lions.
That's a fair point, but Davies lost his Welsh place while at Glos, James only has one cap and you have to wonder if that would be more if he were playing in Wales while Delve - as good a player as he is - is probably 3rd in the pecking order behind Powell and Jones at the moment, which in itself tells you something.
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Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: cheerycherry (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 15:47
Personally all it tells me is Delve has been injured. Powell had one great game against Glaws at the Millenium but I have not seen anything from him since that has matched that level whilst Jones is considered to be a leader but in my book he was quiet for Wales against Ireland and didnt do a lot for the Os v Glaws (although in fairness he was not alone in that). As for Davies, was it the move to Glaws that killed his international career or was it just co-incidence and actually better options became available? Will James was unlucky to be picked in a poor Welsh side where no one came out with any credit. Gough and Wynn-Jones are undoubtedly Wales' premier lock pairing but I would think James is going to be challenging for a squad place, particularly if he carries on displaying the form he currently is for Glaws.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: mackumblues (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 15:51
From a Blues perspective I remember reading similar comments a few years ago when Adrian Davies and Andy Moore went to Richmond. As far as Moore was concerned it led to Rob Howley and the best Scrum Half I've seen in a Cardiff shirt. As far as Davies was concerned we didn't really replace him until Jenks and Paul Burke. Until I've seen Norton Knight play I can't comment on how big a blow losing Nicky is.
As far as Nicky is concerned the question is is he good enough to play for the Cherries regularly as first choice Fly Half. I understand Lamb is leaving at the end of the season and Willie Walker won't be returning so that only leaves Carlos Spencer so unless Ryan gets his check book out and buys big in the Southern Hemisphere the answer is yes.
Nicky's controlling game is good enough to make an impact in England. Apart from 2 bad touch kicks on Saturday he controlled the game very well and Dean Ryan couldn't of help but notice it if he watched the game. However he isn't a James Hook or a Stephen Jones so even if Gloucester do the HC GP double next season I don't think Nicky will ever be first choice for Wales.
As far as Nicky is concerned the question is is he good enough to play for the Cherries regularly as first choice Fly Half. I understand Lamb is leaving at the end of the season and Willie Walker won't be returning so that only leaves Carlos Spencer so unless Ryan gets his check book out and buys big in the Southern Hemisphere the answer is yes.
Nicky's controlling game is good enough to make an impact in England. Apart from 2 bad touch kicks on Saturday he controlled the game very well and Dean Ryan couldn't of help but notice it if he watched the game. However he isn't a James Hook or a Stephen Jones so even if Gloucester do the HC GP double next season I don't think Nicky will ever be first choice for Wales.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 16:36
Quote:cheerycherry
Personally all it tells me is Delve has been injured. Powell had one great game against Glaws at the Millenium but I have not seen anything from him since that has matched that level whilst Jones is considered to be a leader but in my book he was quiet for Wales against Ireland and didnt do a lot for the Os v Glaws (although in fairness he was not alone in that). As for Davies, was it the move to Glaws that killed his international career or was it just co-incidence and actually better options became available? Will James was unlucky to be picked in a poor Welsh side where no one came out with any credit. Gough and Wynn-Jones are undoubtedly Wales' premier lock pairing but I would think James is going to be challenging for a squad place, particularly if he carries on displaying the form he currently is for Glaws.
Few things in this world are certain. However, one of those few things is that Will James has no chance of adding to his welsh caps and we'd rather forget that he won one in the first place.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Chops_8 (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2009 18:59
For him No - He isnt going to get a look in with the Welsh squad whilst W.G. is there so fair play to him and Jamie for looking elsewhere. As far as the club is concerned, only hindsight will tell. Dai Young has got a good track record with Sothern Hemisphere signings so finfers crossed!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: PhilBB - again (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 12:24
Howley better than Holmes? Never.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Bob Garage (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 13:43
nicky is just not good enough to play for Wales so moving over the border won't affect his prospects in that department.
he has been good for us, but he's not the great player many fans think he is.
he has been good for us, but he's not the great player many fans think he is.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: PhilBB - again (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 13:58
Oh, he is. Very much better than Hook but just not appreciated by those who look for other things.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: mackumblues (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 14:15
I said in my 20 years of watching Terry Holmes was before my time in Wales from what I saw of Holmes on TV I agree with you Phil.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Rich (other side of the bridge) (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 14:27
Cheery Cherry posts some good stuff but have to say I don't know where this comes from:
Powell had one great game against Glaws at the Millenium but I have not seen anything from him since that has matched that level
Clearly you've forgotted how he played in the autumn internationals and you've (perhaps not surprisingly) not watched many other Cardiff Blues games this year. He may not always have matched that performance you mention but he's come mighty close many a time and that ain't half bad!
Powell had one great game against Glaws at the Millenium but I have not seen anything from him since that has matched that level
Clearly you've forgotted how he played in the autumn internationals and you've (perhaps not surprisingly) not watched many other Cardiff Blues games this year. He may not always have matched that performance you mention but he's come mighty close many a time and that ain't half bad!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: mackumblues (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 16:14
If you want to lose the HQ quarter and the EDF final then pick Powell if fit over Xav. To beat class opposition you must have a 8 who can control the game as well as make the power runs. Think of the difference Xav made when he came on at Kingsholm as proof.
If fit I'd put Powell on the bench and use him as a impact player with 30 minutes or so to go in both games.
If fit I'd put Powell on the bench and use him as a impact player with 30 minutes or so to go in both games.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: millie14 (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2009 17:17
Quote:hooks kicking is better than nickys nicky is unpredictable his kicking out of hand is 50/50.PhilBB - again
Oh, he is. Very much better than Hook but just not appreciated by those who look for other things.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 12:39
After Saturday, i have to drag this article back up. Compare Nicky's very astute display with the limp and clueless Hook (not that he was the the worst Osprey on Sunday), how can people continue to argue Nicky is 'inconstant' and can't do it under pressure.
For me, NR has to now be Wales No.2 fly half.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
For me, NR has to now be Wales No.2 fly half.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: hands in the ruck (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 14:42
Agreed,if anything Hook has gone backwards this season.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 14:58
Nicky's face does not fit.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: ystradblue (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 15:57
I think final insult for nicky was welsh management selecting Dan Biggar ahead of him in last november tests. I firmly believe if NR was involved in any capacity during the autumn, he would still be a Cardiff player next season.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 19:49
I've a hunch that Nicky'll be playing 10 for the Barbarians in Australia this summer. That (and hopefully a HEC final) will give the chance to show what he can do on the big stage - and perhaps get some people to wake up and realise what a good player he is.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: blues number one (IP Logged)
Date: 13/04/2009 22:53
It's about time some people realized how good nicky Is he is going to be missed next season.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Blue_Rose (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2009 10:39
Quote:theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
After Saturday, i have to drag this article back up. Compare Nicky's very astute display with the limp and clueless Hook (not that he was the the worst Osprey on Sunday), how can people continue to argue Nicky is 'inconstant' and can't do it under pressure.
For me, NR has to now be Wales No.2 fly half.
So by saying this you think he's made the wrong desicion in moving?
Because to be Back up 10 he'd have to play in Wales surely??
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2009 10:56
I think he has to be the 2 best (minimum) fly half in Wales. Whether the Narrow and blinkered WRU will get of their pompous @#$%& to acknowledge that is another question.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2009 17:40
Quote:Blue_Rose
So by saying this you think he's made the wrong desicion in moving? Because to be Back up 10 he'd have to play in Wales surely??
Yes definitely. Regardless of whether he's considered first choice at Glos, he'll be getting far less game time purely because Carlos Spencer is also there, and he'll still feature heavily next season one way or the other.
I also think Dean Ryan, and for that matter the Glos fans, will be far less patient with him than Dai is when he makes mistakes. Gareth Cooper was booed off the pitch against us in that famous Blues victory, but I've no idea why! He was certainly not the worst player out there.
Plus of course, there's the whole 'out of sight; out of mind' argument.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 14/04/2009 17:42
“Nicky Robinson is also playing better at outside-half now he’s accepted Wales aren’t going to pick him, never mind how well he plays."
Adrian Hadley (unusually positive about the Blues) article here.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Adrian Hadley (unusually positive about the Blues) article here.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: hands in the ruck (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2009 14:14
Norton - Knight looks a good player , but is still playing Full Back for the Waratahs.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: hands in the ruck (IP Logged)
Date: 15/04/2009 14:30
Quote:This is the same Adrian Hadley who said we needed 13 new players after last years Q/F defeat, obviously knows his stuff||||||||||||||||||.theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
“Nicky Robinson is also playing better at outside-half now he’s accepted Wales aren’t going to pick him, never mind how well he plays."
Adrian Hadley (unusually positive about the Blues) article here.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Blues Boy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 10:02
Thought I'd bring this thread back to the forefront.
Surely, there must be SOME doubt in Nicky's mind now about his decision (notwithstanding his comments on BBC Wales yesterday morning).
Looks like big changes are likely at Glaws.
Surely, there must be SOME doubt in Nicky's mind now about his decision (notwithstanding his comments on BBC Wales yesterday morning).
Looks like big changes are likely at Glaws.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Dead_Passive (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 10:16
I think it's the Blues who have made the wrong decision in letting him go.
He's due for an off game though now surely?
Lets hope he doesn't get it against the tiggers
He's due for an off game though now surely?
Lets hope he doesn't get it against the tiggers
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: Blues - Boyyo (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 10:58
the blues have got to purseud him to stay now!
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 11:28
costly international price ?????? when was the last time he played for wales ????????????????????????????
thanks nicky tho. he had a very good game yesterday i must admit. a players career is a short one and i'm sure he will go down well at glos but i think he is right to move on. glos will be ripping the side up now anyway.
thanks nicky tho. he had a very good game yesterday i must admit. a players career is a short one and i'm sure he will go down well at glos but i think he is right to move on. glos will be ripping the side up now anyway.
Re: Has Nicky Made The Wrong Decision?
Posted by: 3 FEATHERS (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 14:15
Judging by the shambles they are at Glaws its difficult to see how its a good move for him.Some of his running and decision making yesterday ripped Glaws to shreds.
