BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Robinson warns of burnout



By Jonathon Moore BBC Sport Online

Sale and England full-back Jason Robinson has pleaded with the English rugby union authorites to reduce the number of games in the season.

The former league star, who has become crucial to England coach Clive Woodward's plans, admitted he was far from his best towards the end of last season.

Full interview: Jason Robinson

And he declared that those in charge of the fixture lists should take more responsibility for players' welfare.

My body was in a bad way last year

Jason Robinson

"It's been great to have the summer off," he told BBC Sport Online.

"It's been my first real break and I was determined to have it because my body was in a bad way last year.

"But now I'm refreshed and looking forward to what will be a tough season."

Robinson said his experience in league had done little to prepare him for the constant rigours of the union season and added that players should be given more opportunity to rest.

Season preview: Sale

"It's hard for me to understand it, as I've come from league and I'm not used to playing in this format," he said.

"I think the main thing is that [the players] can't do anything about it - it's up to other people.

"We've got to go out there and play. But it's important we do get the quality and not just quantity. The main thing is players' welfare.

"Players want to go out there and play their best and if there's too many games then their performance is going to be affected.

"Hopefully that'll be sorted out and we can enjoy going out there knowing we won't face a burnout at the end of the season."

Hodgson (left) says the season is structured badly
Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson backed Robinson's claims and called for the structure of the season to be radically altered.

"You have to prepare yourself for the domestic league for a certain amount of time and suddenly you've got to switch off and concentrate on the European stuff," he said.

"That's very hard. If you could put the competitions into different blocks it would help and maybe cut the season down too - I think we'd all appreciate it."

Robinson also called for Woodward to be given more time with his elite players, particularly in the build up to a season that will climax with the 2003 World Cup in Australia.

"At the end of the day, you've got to do the best with what you've got," he added.

"I'm sure Clive would love to have us full time so that he can build towards our next games because you need time to prepare and get your squad right and sometimes that doesn't happen.

"It's an ongoing process and things are not going to get sorted out overnight.

"But there has to be a bit of give and take from both sides and hopefully everyone will benefit."