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Robinson resigns as England coach Robinson resigns as England coach
(20 minutes later)
Andy Robinson has stepped down from his post as coach of the England rugby union team. Andy Robinson has quit as coach of world champions England after a disastrous 25-month spell in charge.
Robinson's future had been in doubt after England's recent disappointing form which saw them lose 13 out of 22 Test matches. The 42-year-old, who succeeded Sir Clive Woodward in October 2004, lost 13 of the 22 games he was at the helm.
The 42-year-old succeeded World Cup-winning boss Sir Clive Woodward as coach in late 2004. After three days of talks, the Rugby Football Union announced Robinson was standing down as coach on Wednesday.
The RFU's elite rugby director Rob Andrew said they would not be making any comment on a new head coach. But in a statement, Robinson revealed he had been reluctant to go and insisted he still had the backing of his coaching team and players.
In a statement, Robinson said: "Following last Saturday's match against South Africa my position remained that I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, not withstanding the setbacks that we have had through the autumn. "I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, not withstanding 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."It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team.
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"In the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the RFU management board - do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach."In the last 48 hours, I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me - the RFU 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.""For six years I have been proud to work with some outstanding people in the England team management and in the England squad."
RFU elite director Rob Andrew said the decision to axe Robinson was "made with a great deal of regret as Andy has made a significant contribution to England during the six years he has been involved with the side."
ANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE 1964: Born Taunton, 3 April1986: Joins Bath1988: Makes England debut against Australia1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton1997: Sir Clive Woodward installed as his assistant at Bath1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive2000: Appointed assistant England coach2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia2003: Helps England secure the World CupOctober 2004: Appointed England coachANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE 1964: Born Taunton, 3 April1986: Joins Bath1988: Makes England debut against Australia1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton1997: Sir Clive Woodward installed as his assistant at Bath1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive2000: Appointed assistant England coach2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia2003: Helps England secure the World CupOctober 2004: Appointed England coach
Andrew added: "This announcement is made with a great deal of regret as Andy has made a significant contribution to England during the six years he has been involved with the side. He added: "Andy played a significant part in England's Grand Slam, unbeaten tour to Australia and New Zealand and RWC success in 2003.
"Andy played a significant part in England's Grand Slam, unbeaten tour to Australia and New Zealand and RWC success in 2003.
"He also recorded excellent wins against Australia, South Africa and Wales during his tenure as head coach and was always totally committed to the role."He also recorded excellent wins against Australia, South Africa and Wales during his tenure as head coach and was always totally committed to the role.
"The RFU will always be grateful for his contribution to the England cause."The RFU will always be grateful for his contribution to the England cause.
"Unfortunately, with the exception of the win against South Africa on 18 November, England's recent results have not gone the way that Andy, the players, supporters and the RFU would have wished for. Andy leaves with our very best wishes." "Unfortunately, with the exception of the win against South Africa on 18 November, England's recent results have not gone the way that Andy, the players, supporters and the RFU would have wished for."
Under Robinson, England have slipped to seventh in the rankings and badly damaged their chances of retaining their world crown. Under Robinson, England have slipped to seventh in the International Rugby Board rankings and damaged their chances of retaining their world crown.
The RFU conducted a review after the 2006 Six Nations, and Robinson survived despite assistant coaches Phil Larder, Dave Alred and Joe Lydon all losing their jobs. They have also lost eight of their last nine matches, one of the worst runs in the country's history.
Brian Ashton (attack), John Wells (forwards) and Mike Ford (defence) have since been appointed under Robinson, while Rob Andrew has taken on the elite director of rugby role. With just 10 months to the start of the next World Cup in France, the focus will now turn to Robinson's successor.
Former South Africa coach Nick Mallett, who has been linked with Robinson's job, agreed there were deep-rooted problems which need to be addressed by the RFU. World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson, former South Africa coach Nick Mallett, Harlequins coach Dean Richards and former Wasps and Ireland coach Warren Gatland have all been linked with the post.
"People are focusing on Robinson, but they are blind to other errors that have been made," he said. So have Andrew and England backs coach Brian Ashton.
"I don't know if I could make a success of a scenario whereby you're told, 'Here are your three assistants'."
World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson is understood to be first choice to replace Robinson.
Mallett, Harlequins coach Dean Richards and former Wasps and Ireland coach Warren Gatland have also been linked with the post.