​WALLABIES and Waratahs prop Benn Robinson has been forced into premature retirement due to an eye injury suffered against the Brumbies earlier this season.

An emotional Robinson made the announcement ​this morning at Waratahs headquarters surrounded by current and former teammates, bringing down the curtain on a distinguished 73-Test career.

Benn Robinson brings the curtain down on a 10-year career at the top. Source: Getty Images

The 31-year-old prop - who retires as the most capped NSW player and most capped prop in Super Rugby history (148 games) - was poked in the eye accidentally by Rory Arnold in April.

With pressure lingering on his retina, specialists determined Robinson required surgery. After the procedure Robinson’s surgeon advised him to quit football.

“The doctors went in after surgery and found a few more issues than they initially thought,” Robinson said.

“My vision is not quite there yet. There could be more surgeries in the future. The vision is still quite blurry in my right eye.

“It is potentially going to stay like that, so there are going to be some long-term issues around my eye which might need to be addressed.

“I was sitting in the (doctors) office two weeks ago when I heard the story of a guy getting a brain tumour. I got a poke in the eye. There are worse things in life.

“I was very fortunate to have such a long career. I wasn’t expecting for it to end with a poke in the eye! I thought it would be the back or the neck.”

The affable Robinson, known as “Cat” to teammates after Greg “Fat Cat” Ritchie, told Waratahs and Wallabies colleagues last week of his reluctant decision to hang up the boots.

Robinson was devastated by having retirement thrust upon him but if there is any solace, it is that the injury came at the later stages of a career already stocked with achievement.

He debuted for NSW in 2005 in Argentina before making a Super Rugby debut in 2006.

Robinson also won his first Wallabies cap in 2006 against South Africa.

Benn Robinson takes on Argentina’s defence. Source: AFP

He won a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs in 2014 but Robinson said the highlight of his career was the simple joy of turning up to work each day.

“Rugby is made me who I am here today. It has been a big part of my life for so many years, for it to end like this is very disappointing,” Robinson said.

“A big thank you to the Waratahs. It is a really special place to come here and play. I am really fortunate to have pulled on the jersey for so many years.”

Though smaller in stature than most international front rowers, Robinson’s power and awkward position made him widely respected as one of the best No.1s in the world.

He played in many big Tests but endured heartache when it came to World Cups with the Wallabies.

Robinson missed the cut for the 2007 and 2015 tournaments, and in 2011 suffered a torn ACL while training with Australia just weeks before the tournament.

With many NSW players standing at the back of the room, Waratahs club captain Dave Dennis said: “Our greatest disappointment as a playing group is that he hasn’t been able to end his career on his own terms. For someone who has committed so much of his time and his life to the Waratahs, and Australian rugby, it’s a great disappointment.

“But he has achieved alot. He retires as the most capped Waratah ever, which is a huge achievement.

“From a playing perspective, the biggest thing Benn has brought is consistency. The scrum is such an important part of winning rugby games.

“He’s not the biggest guy either. He gave away many kilos to many big men, but he always managed to find a way.”

Teammates and friend rushed to pay tribute to a treasured character.

Tributes have poured in for retiring rugby star Benn Robinson. Source: News Corp Australia

Adam Ashley-Cooper said Robinson had a “ripper” career.

“My memories on the field are of Robbo being one of the absolute best in the business; his ability to get over the ball was like no other prop, and he has done some truly special things in both the Waratahs and Wallabies jerseys,” Ashley-Cooper told the RUPA website.

“Seeing him there with his cute little headgear on as I ran past him on to the field of play used to give me such a lift; he’s certainly somebody you wanted to play alongside. Cat was a great team player and more importantly a better team mate.

“He can go out with his chest and head held high, which he would anyway as he has always possessed incredible posture, and now he can also finally devote some necessary time to improving his golf game.

“Cat’s truly a good person; he is very considerate of others, and he has a great heart, and I wish him all the best.”

PAST AND PRESENT PLAYERS PRAISE THE “CAT”

TOM CARTER

“I just wanted to congratulate you on an incredible career. It’s a testament to your character and resilience to have such longevity in the game. All the best for your retirement you will be missed immensely.”

DAVE DENNIS

“Our greatest disappointment as a playing group is that he hasn’t been able to end his career on his own terms. For someone who has committed so much of his time and his life to the Waratahs, and Australian rugby, it’s a great disappointment. But he has achieved alot. He retires as the most capped Waratah ever, which is a huge achievement.”

PHIL WAUGH

“‘Fatcat’ as he is affectionately known was more than just a great front rower or player amongst the team. Cat was the jovial personality in the team, the player who always made you enjoy the moment.

He treasured the traditions of the game and respected all those who had played before him. A connoisseur of good food and wine, Fatcat was always the team restaurateur directing all players and staff to the best experiences in town. Fatcat will be sorely missed from the game as a player and a person.”

Benn Robinson and Kurtley Beale have a close relationship. Source: News Limited

DAN VICKERMAN

“I believe he was one of the smarter players positionally and better scrummagers in the game, but so too a great team man. A sad time for Benn no doubt, but a player who I loved playing with and will be missed by the game and leave big shoes to fill.”

DEAN MUMM

“It’s been a long time from when we first played together when we were 8. It’s been a fair journey from there, schools to first Tahs games together. It’s has been a real honour. Life goes on, and I am sure we still have some pretty special times ahead.”

KURTLEY BEALE

“I regard Benn as one of my good mates. He has been a friend and mentor of mine for a number of years now. That was always something Catty made sure was when the young guys were coming through, he’d always bring them in and make sure everyone was involved. Myself included. He has been a huge support to me over my career and I will never forget that.”

WYCLIFF PALU

“All the best with your career outside of Rugby. I am going miss playing with you, you were one of the best players to play with and a great bloke off the field.”

ADAM FREIER

“Robbo was a player that you always wanted under your armpit on the field and next to you at a restaurant that night picking your meal off the menu. Rugby will miss him, but his new life will be just as successful. I have no doubt.”

SUPER RUGBY

Debut: Round 1 2006 vs Reds

Games: 148

Tries: 7

Titles: 1 (2014)

Win %: 56%

* Is currently the most capped NSW Waratahs Super Rugby player with his 148 games, 10 ahead of Tatafu Polota-Nau.

* The equal 9th most capped player in Super Rugby history.

* 3rd most capped Australian Super Rugby player ever (Nathan Sharpe 162 and Stephen Moore 160*).

* Most capped Australian prop in Super Rugby.

WALLABIES

Debut: vs South Africa September 2006

Games: 72

Tries: 3

Win %: 50%