The Queensland Reds have confirmed the re-signing of Australia U20 skipper Tom Robinson on a two-year deal.
Flanker Robinson joins the squad on a full-time deal as the natural-born leader stays in the Sunshine State.
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The son of World Rugby Chair Brett has risen through the Queensland pathways to captain Australia at U18 and U20 levels in back-to-back years.
Robinson looms as a key piece of their future, with the blond-haired back-rower currently in Japan with the team ahead of Sunday's Queensland Shield match against the Wild Knights.
“The Reds have been very good at providing those extra steps up from club level. You get a lot out of tour games,” Robinson said in a statement.
“For example, the Japanese play a very different, high tempo, offloading game that utilises their speed and fitness. You have to learn and adapt on the run which is experience I've got playing the Wild Knights in Toowoomba and Japan.
“I’m really excited to re-sign with the Reds. It’s everything I wanted and I’m very happy being around Ballymore.”
Robinson got a taste of Reds action last year against Tonga, before playing an integral part of the U20 program this year.
With one year of eligibility left, the Uni of Queensland product started all three games of the Junior Rugby Championship, with injury limiting him to just two appearances at that year's World Championship.
The signing keeps Robinson at Ballymore to learn off a stacked back-row unit that includes John Eales Medalist Fraser McReight and Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson.
"This year, being involved, with and against, some of the best players in Australia on a daily basis at Reds training has been huge for me,” Robinson said.
“Again, it is that step up. You continually have work-ons like improving at the defensive breakdown to disrupt and slow the opposition like Fraser (McReight) does so well.”
New Blues coach Vern Cotter could see the potential in Robinson as he looks to further his growth.
"Tom has an excellent work ethic and skills to play more than one position in the backrow,” Cotter said.
“This tour is an ideal way to keep advancing his good habits and build his experience for the role he will play over the next two years.”
