Beau Robinson's gamble pays off

Born-again flanker and part-time bartender Beau Robinson may have pulled his last beer.

Former NSW Waratah Robinson, who took the gamble and paid his own way north to resurrect his career in Queensland, will gain a belated Super Rugby contract this weekend when he plays his fifth game for the Reds.

The 24-year-old back-rower spent the pre-season juggling training and working, spending more than 20 hours a week behind an Ipswich bar to make ends meet after Queensland were unable to offer him a contract.

But under the Rugby Union Players Association's collective bargaining agreement, a minimum contract is awarded once a player makes five appearances in a season.

Robinson has started and impressed in the past two Reds wins after coming off the bench in the opening two rounds and on Thursday will be named at No.7 to go head-to-head with Springboks linchpin Heinrich Brussow against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

The ball scavenger was unaware his days as an old-fashioned amateur was coming to an end but admitted he was happier visiting the Irish Heart Hotel as a patron than an employee.

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