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Chiefs fullback Robbie Robinson hoes to celebrate once again this weekend. - Source: Photosport
Robbie Robinson could run his way into the Southland rugby record books if the Chiefs beat the Sharks in tomorrow night's Super Rugby final in Hamilton.
Former Stags captain Corey Flynn, who played as a loan player for the Crusaders in their victorious 2002 season, is the only player to win a Super Rugby title while contracted with Rugby Southland.
The rugby landscape has changed a great deal since Flynn decided to switch allegiance to Canterbury part way through the 2002 season to help boost his All Black ambitions.
Robinson recently signed on for a further two years with the Chiefs, and is coming off contract with Southland at the end of this season.
Despite his career being reignited by his shift from the Highlanders to the Chiefs, Robinson said he had no plans to make his shift to Hamilton permanent.
"I haven't really thought too much beyond [this NPC], but obviously I love Southland so it would take a bit to get me away from there."
Robinson has grown under the tutelage of Chiefs coach Dave Rennie and former All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith.
"I'm enjoying it, I'm enjoying the coaching I'm getting. I've been given good game time which allows me to get a bit of consistency which I'm enjoying," he said.
"They are always wanting us to improve. That's the thing with these coaches, they always want better and know we can give better." Robinson said the Chiefs were loving playing in front of a sold-out Waikato Stadium and tomorrow night's game would mark a highlight in a career which already includes a junior world championship title and two Ranfurly Shield tenures.
"They are all special in their own right, but I guess with this, it's such a long season, so much work has gone into it," Robinson said.
"When we set our goals at the start of the season, it was to win a first Super title. To be here now and in with a chance to do that is a pretty unreal feeling."