Rugby: Robinson all set for 150th premier match

Adam Robinson will set a new playing record for Tauranga Sports tomorrow.

The 31-year-old blindside flanker/lock has been with the club for nine seasons since joining from Hamilton Marist and will run out on to the Tauranga Domain to play Opotiki in his 150th premier match.

No other player has reached the mark according to official records going back to 1999.

"I am definitely proud of what I have done and real proud of what the club has done," Robinson said.

"I am one of those players who loves playing rugby and loves the whole club scene, especially the last few years when the Bay aspirations died down as I got a bit older.

"I am lucky enough that the club has been successful in the last few years."

Robinson captained Tauranga Sports for three seasons before Carl Axtens took over this year, which he says is another highlight of his time with the club.

"I am probably not one of those guys who likes to say a hell of a lot before the game but definitely leading the boys out has been a real privilege for me, especially with some of the guys we have playing for us.

"I try to just lead on the field really."

Robinson rates this season's unbeaten run in the Baywide competition up there with any other team he has played in.

"We have done a lot of hard work as most of the other clubs have too but this year I think it is down to us having most of our players back from last year, and we have filled a couple of key positions like openside flanker and first-five, which has really helped.

"We just have a real good feel and vibe about the club this year. We had a couple of years where we had the super stars come in and play for us but, this year, it is just awesome to see the guys making the Steamers are all originally from this club.

"They have worked really hard over the years to make the Steamers and to have guys like (Steve) Honey and Santa (Nick Evemy) being called up is just great.

"The boys have really pushed for those kind of guys to make it and we are really happy to see them get called up because they are just good club guys."