Robinson return was an option
GLOUCESTER seriously considered a bid to bring Nicky Robinson back to Kingsholm – but felt they could not accommodate the fly-half within the salary cap.
The Citizen understands the Cherry and Whites now have no current plans to add another fly-half to their squad for next season.
Kingsholm bosses will not make a move for Worcester's Andy Goode, despite the former England and Leicester playmaker leaving Sixways at the end of the season.
Master Welsh tactician Robinson is out of contract at Wasps and could leave the Londoners for pastures new for next term.
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Gloucester spent some time weighing up a move for the 32-year-old, but in the end felt they had more pressing needs elsewhere.
After recruiting the likes of highly-rated Worcester flanker Matt Kvesic for next term, Gloucester do not now have space within the salary cap to recruit Robinson.
The Cherry and Whites will once again spend to the Premiership's salary-cap limit for next term.
Gloucester tried to find room for Robinson but could not find a way to make him a competitive offer while also adding the right quality in other positions.
Robinson amassed 13 Wales caps in his six-year stint with hometown club Cardiff Blues between 2003 and 2009.
The wily playmaker divided opinion for the majority of his two-year Kingsholm tenure.
But halfway through his second season he was told he would not be offered a new contract.
And that sparked Robinson's finest run of Gloucester form, as he masterminded the 2011 LV=Cup final victory over Newcastle Falcons and helped the Cherry and Whites to a Premiership semi-final.
Robinson never wanted to leave Kingsholm, but bowed out with grace and style before moving to Wasps.
His departure paved the way for Freddie Burns to step up.
Ironically any return now would have been to provide support for the man he mentored.
Tim Taylor's season-ending injury is limiting Nigel Davies' fly-half options, with Freddie Burns recovering from knee trouble but also involved with England.
Burns and Billy Twelvetrees' Six Nations duty bites into Gloucester's midfield axis.
An extra fly-half option next season would ease future international windows and allow Ryan Mills to focus on his more natural inside centre role.
Comments
by corsa_corsa
Saturday, February 09 2013, 8:39AM
“Nicky Robinson would have been welcome back and Andy Goode would have been another good choice to provide back up for Freddie Burns but we also need to be looking to get some decent and proper back up for Rupert Harden, our first choice and best tight head prop. As it is now, when Harden is out injured, our scrum gets thrashed because it is so underpowered.”