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SYDNEY. — Veteran Australia prop Benn Robinson announced his immediate retirement from rugby yesterday after a seemingly innocuous poke in the eye left him seriously injured.

The 31-year-old recently underwent surgery to repair his vision after he was accidentally poked in his right eye while playing Super Rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs in April.

But after initially thinking the injury was not serious and he could resume playing, doctors advised Robinson to quit. He promptly announced his decision on Tuesday through the Rugby Union Players’ Association, which he serves as president.

Current Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Robinson’s contribution to Australian rugby would be felt for years to come. — AFP.