Robinson relishing Welsh chances
After securing a starting berth in London Welsh's last two Premiership matches, rising flyhalf Will Robinson is hoping he can continue to learn his trade on the biggest stage.
With the likes of Olly Barkley to compete against at the Kassam Stadium, it looked like Robinson's opportunities could be limited when he joined National Two South Henley Hawks, three divisions below the Premiership, on loan earlier in the year.
However, the 21-year-old says he always believed in his ability to play for the first team and used the loan to get his head down and work hard.
That work paid off as Robinson earned a swift recall from head coach Justin Burnell, making his first-ever appearance in the top tier in November and has since gone on a run of five consecutive games.
And though Welsh are still without a win in the competition, he says that playing against the best in the business is something he has quickly learned to love.
"I'm relishing being in the first team and having the chance to show what I can do on the biggest stage. We are playing against the best teams in England week-in and week-out, so it's a great opportunity for us.
"I went out to Henley earlier in the season and spent about four or five weeks there. But I was never thinking that move meant I wasn't going to get a chance to play in the Premiership. I knew that it was an opportunity to showcase my talents to the coaches and impress them.
"Since then I've come back and I think I'm trying to improve all the time and I'm looking to learn from all the guys around me," he said.
However, while the experience of playing in the Premiership is an enjoyable one, Robinson admits his main goal is to help his team clinch their first win of the season.
It's certainly been a tough start to the campaign for Welsh, who have lost all 11 of their matches and lie bottom of the table but Robinson says the squad has the ability to keep their spirit high in the tough times.
"Obviously the main thing for us is to get that first win under our belt. Of course heads go down if you have lost a game, but the great thing about Welsh is that the next time we are in training everyone is focused. Our heads are up and are chests are out and we don't lose that desire to go out and win matches.
"We've got a lot of ability in the squad but I think at times we have been guilty of letting our concentration slip. However, we are getting better all the time and there are positives to take from our last match against Irish," he added.
