Star’s tribute to drowned teacher

Aug 2 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

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ENGLAND World Cup-winning rugby star Ben Kay last night paid tribute to the teacher who set him on the road to sporting success.

Ian Robinson, head of rugby at Merchant Taylors’ boys’ school in Crosby, died earlier this week in an accident while white water rafting on a school trip in Queensland, Australia.

Mr Robinson, 47, a former rugby union player with Liverpool St Helens, was one of a team of PE teachers to have nurtured Kay’s talents.

Kay, 31, originally from Thornton, has played for England 45 times and was a member of England’s 2003 World Cup winning team.

The Leicester Tigers player said: “Ian Robinson was one of life’s good guys. I don’t think that I would be where I am now if it wasn’t for Ian.

“Ian wanted to foster the enjoyment side of sport with all the pupils that he taught and he did that very successfully.

“He had a good rapport with everyone and I have very fond memories of him.”

Chairman of governors at Merchant Taylors’ Leo Coligan said yesterday the school would be holding a memorial service in honour of Mr Robinson at the start of the next academic year.

He added Mr Robinson’s widow Elizabeth would be closely involved in organising the service.

Mr Coligan said: “I knew Ian as a member of staff. He’d been with the school for 23 years. He was a consummate professional who was very well liked by his colleagues.

“People always say these things at times of tragedy but he really was respected by the pupils. He had the ability to bring out the boys’ confidence, they found him inspirational.”

The accident happened on Monday on the Tully River, near Cairns, when Mr Robinson’s foot became trapped after his raft capsized.

Charles Woodward, owner of the R ‘n’ R White Water Rafting group said: “He was submerged for a number of minutes before the guide could free him.

“Our guides are very experienced and he was given CPR and oxygen, but by the time the ambulance arrived he was pronounced dead.

“No matter how often you prepare for this type of circumstance, the real thing is still very traumatic.

“We carry tens of thousands a year and our standards are the highest in the world.”

He said a full inquiry was being carried out by the firm.

Three staff members and 24 students, aged 15 to 17, have cut short the three-week trip and are expected to return to the UK before the weekend.