Jason Robinson was one of the greatest ever cross-code players – and reckons St Helens star Regan Grace can be a hit in the 15-a-side code.
Grace will join French Top 14 side Racing 92 at the end of the current Super League season in October and is aiming to bow out as a history maker.
The Wales rugby league international has helped Saints to three Grand Finals wins in the past three years and they are now gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight title success.
Dazzling winger Grace, 25, grew up in Port Talbot playing union and idolising the likes of Robinson and Shane Williams.
Robinson, 47, who starred for Wigan Warriors before joining Sale Sharks in 2001 and helping England to World Cup glory in 2003, told The Rugby Paper: “Do I think Regan can be a success?
Yes. Firstly, he’s got a rugby union background whereas I came into it cold.
“If there’s one thing Regan can do in league and union it’s to attack.
“He’s got great footwork, great pace, and he can score a try.
“He’s a great finisher and I don’t think him switching codes is a massive surprise because Racing would have been one of many clubs coming in for him.
“Why wouldn’t you want someone like Regan in your team, who is young and can win games?
“With a bit more experience under his belt, he could really be flying.”
Robinson says both codes will always have a place in his heart and backed Grace to prosper in Paris.
Plenty of rugby league stars have flopped in union but Robinson added: “Sometimes it’s difficult when you leave rugby league, a sport that was always good to me, and cross codes.
“You might not necessarily want to leave, but you’ve got to try new experiences – another culture, a different way of playing and get into the rugby union mindset.
“It’s obviously different to rugby league but that’s what Regan has chosen to do. In terms of his style, Regan reminds me of myself.
“He’s light on his feet, he can beat people with no space at all, and he’s got good top-end pace.
“He’s hungry to work and to get better, so there are a lot of similar attributes.”
Grace, who is 5ft 8ins and 13st, could represent Wales at next year’s World Cup but he also qualifies to play for England through his Birmingham born father.
Robinson added: “I played for England but my father was Jamaican and my mum Scottish.
“My son played rugby league for Scotland, so Regan might think ‘I want to represent my father’ or he might have other reasons.
“But, whatever route he chooses on the international stage, if he got that opportunity, then it would be another massive achievement for him.”
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