The Australian rugby community is mourning the loss of Wallaby #580, Ian ‘Robbo’ Robertson, who passed away on Monday aged 73.
Renown for his height and try-scoring ability across wing and fullback, Robertson was also regarded as one of the best players to represent the Eastwood club.
Born in Sydney and educated at Marsden High School, Robertson became a dominant figure across the Woods' back three during the 1970s and later served as a director of the club.
His strong playing form saw him make his representative debut for Sydney in 1972 before going on to represent both the Waratahs and the Wallabies three years later.
Robertson won his first state cap as New South Wales defeated Wellington 18-13 in Sydney. He then went on to score a key try in the Waratahs' 17-13 win over Queensland at Ballymore.
Earning selection for Sydney against a touring Japan side later that year, Robertson set the trend when he scored a try from the first ruck after just 30 seconds, playing on the left wing. In a sensational display, he went on to score four tries for the match.
The performance would see him earn his Wallaby debut against Japan at Ballymore, scoring two tries on debut as the Wallabies ran out 37-7 victors.
Retaining his spot for the second match of the two test series, Robertson’s second and final cap in gold saw him part of the Wallabies’ 50-25 win at the SCG.
Unfortunately, he was to miss out on the 1975-76 Grand Slam tour, when Monaro fullback Mick Fitzgerald played strongly in the final trial to join Laurie Monaghan, Paddy Batch and John Ryan among the outside backs in the squad.
Despite this, 1976 saw him feature heavily in Eastwood’s season in the Shute Shield, with the club going on to make their second ever final, going down 33-4 to Gordon.
Ian Robertson is survived by wife Jan, and sons Stuart and Matthew.
