"Four or five weeks ago after the surgery the doctor pretty much said straight away that I can never play rugby again," Robinson said. "Rugby's been a big part of my career for so many years and for it to end like this is very disappointing."

An eye injury has forced the Waratahs most capped player to hang up the boots after being told a poke from Brumbies second-rower Rory Arnold in the Waratahs 26-20 loss in round eight would force him into premature retirement

They were not easy words to say for the man who debuted for the Waratahs in 2004 before chalking up 155 games for his state and 72 caps for his country.

"Geez it's tough," said Robinson under his breath before continuing. "Every player sits there in the room and just can't wait for their name to be called. The blue jersey has been a part of my life since 2004, so it's something that I will hold and cherish very dearly. Whether it's your first or your last cap, you still hold that cap or that jersey in such high regard."

Robinson, 31, revealed he is still having issues with his right eye. His vision is not back to 100 per cent and there is the possibility he will require further surgery.

Despite the wet eyes at Waratahs HQ, Robinson acknowledged his premature end to a glittering career was not the end of the world.

"I've got a poke in the eye – there's worse things in life than a poke in the eye but I'm very fortunate and lucky to have a long career," Robinson said. "I wasn't expecting a poke in the eye to finish me. I was more worried about my back or my neck."

Robinson has played more games for NSW than anyone else and is Australia's second highest capped prop at international level. He featured in 72 Tests for the Wallabies after making his debut in 2006 against South Africa in Johannesburg and is also the president of the Rugby Union Players' Association.

Flanked by Waratahs teammates behind the television cameras during the announcement, Robinson was praised by club captain Dave Dennis as one of the true NSW legends and a great scammer when it comes to a long lunch.

"Our greatest disappointment as a playing group is the fact he hasn't been able to end his career on his own terms and I think for someone that has committed so much of his time and his life to the Waratahs and Australian rugby, it's a great disappointment," Dennis said. "He's taught me it's all right to spend about 200 bucks at a lunch when you're on tour. He's got a great palate. I was brought up on home cooking I didn't know what a Michelin stars [restaurant] was until I travelled with Robbo."

A tough competitor for over a decade, Robinson has signalled his interest at coaching down the track.

"A few people have already spoken to me about that," Robinson said. "It's been rattled a few times but there's a wealth of knowledge up here that I can pass on."

Former teammate Adam Ashley-Cooper, who played alongside Robinson at age 17, paid tribute to one of rugby's most liked players.

"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."

Former Wallabies second-rower Nathan Sharpe said he was "gutted" about Robinson's "shocking news" but wished him all the best in his post-football endeavours.

"It was obviously causing so much grief you can only hope it's not going to be an ongoing thing later in life," Sharpe said. "Cat's been a great servant for Australian rugby."