Quins star learns lessons from ban (From Croydon Guardian)

Quins star learns lessons from ban

8:00am Friday 20th November 2009

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Harlequins lock George Robson reckons the six week suspension he sat out at the start of the season may have been a blessing in disguise.

The 24-year-old received his marching orders for a headbutt on scrum-half Joe Simpson in the opening minute of his side’s 26-15 defeat to Wasps at Twickenham in September.

The former England U16 and U19 international, out of contract at the end of the season, completed his rehabilitation when he was named captain for Sunday’s 19-8 LV Cup triumph at Newcastle Falcons.

And Robson reckons he is a better player for the experience.

“It has given me time to reflect on my own game and I’ve been able to watch a lot of games,” he said.

“In a sense it has helped me because I’ve been able to take a step back from the intensity of playing week, and really analyse my game.

“After a good year last season and being out of contract next summer I was desperate to start this year well, so I was very happy to get straight back into it at Worcester.

“Obviously I regret it happened at all. I’ve learnt my lesson and won’t be doing anything stupid like that again.”

Winger Tom Williams is available for selection again after serving a four month ban over the ‘Bloodgate’ scandal and Robson expects him to return in style.

“Speaking from experience I know what it is like to come back having been suspended and I was chomping at the bit,” he added.

“Tom has been around the squad in training and I’m sure he will be exactly the same.”

Robson, who has led winning teams at academy and England age group level, was delighted to get a Quins first team win as captain under his belt - thanks to a first senior try from Epsom-born winger Sam Smith and 14 points from fly-half Rory Clegg.

Quins’ revivial races a stiff examination at the weekend when they travel to Northampton Saints on Saturday looking to extend a six-match unbeaten domestic run.

“Newcastle is a difficult place to go, so I was pleased to see the young guys who were given their chance weren’t afraid to have a go,” said Robson.

“Saints have got good strength in depth behind their England absentees and we have got to go up there and out-muscle them.

“They are a physical side and we have to make sure we match that.”

Harlequins’ next three games: Nov 21 Northampton Saints (a), 28 Gloucester (h), Dec 4 Leeds Carnegie (a).

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