LONDON - Andy Robinson has quit as coach of world champions England after a disastrous 25-month spell in charge.
LONDON - Andy Robinson has quit as coach of world champions England after a disastrous 25-month spell in charge.
The 42-year-old, who succeeded Sir Clive Woodward in October 2004, lost 13 of his 22 games on the job.
After three days of talks, the Rugby Football Union announced Robinson was standing down as coach yesterday.
But in a statement, Robinson said he had been reluctant to go and insisted that he still had the backing of his coaching team and players.
"I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, notwithstanding the setbacks that we have had through the autumn," he said.
"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team.
"There is more wrong with English rugby than just the head coach.
"In the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the Rugby Football Union management board - do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach.
"For six years I have been proud to work with some outstanding people in the England team management and in the England squad.
"The current structure and system for developing elite rugby players and performance in the international arena is not working.
"They all understand the responsibility, sacrifice and hard work that it takes for England to win.
"I would like to thank each of them for their support and professionalism throughout," said Robinson, whose team lost to the Springboks on Saturday. - BBC
England rugby coach Robinson quits
LONDON - Andy Robinson has quit as coach of world champions England after a disastrous 25-month spell in charge.
LONDON - Andy Robinson has quit as coach of world champions England after a disastrous 25-month spell in charge.
The 42-year-old, who succeeded Sir Clive Woodward in October 2004, lost 13 of his 22 games on the job.
After three days of talks, the Rugby Football Union announced Robinson was standing down as coach yesterday.
But in a statement, Robinson said he had been reluctant to go and insisted that he still had the backing of his coaching team and players.
"I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, notwithstanding the setbacks that we have had through the autumn," he said.
"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team.
"There is more wrong with English rugby than just the head coach.
"In the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the Rugby Football Union management board - do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach.
"For six years I have been proud to work with some outstanding people in the England team management and in the England squad.
"The current structure and system for developing elite rugby players and performance in the international arena is not working.
"They all understand the responsibility, sacrifice and hard work that it takes for England to win.
"I would like to thank each of them for their support and professionalism throughout," said Robinson, whose team lost to the Springboks on Saturday. - BBC
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