Robinson steps in after Woodward walks out
Woodward’s World Cup-winning reign as England head coach is over after Twickenham’s top brass accepted his resignation.
He will depart immediately, ending three days of intense speculation, with Southampton Football Club his possible destination.
Former England flanker Robinson has been appointed as caretaker-coach for a period which includes November’s Test matches against Canada, South Africa and Australia.
Robinson, Woodward’s right-hand man for the past four years, has already told Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron he will apply for the full-time England job.
And Baron, who could not mask his disappointment at Woodward’s departure, revealed the search for a long-term replacement will initially focus on England’s existing set-up.
Woodward, who will attend a Twickenham press conference this morning, said: “I have today handed in a letter to RFU chief executive Francis Baron informing him that I am resigning my post as England head coach. This has been accepted.
“I informed Francis yesterday that I was happy to stay for the Investec Test matches in the autumn, but in discussion with him it was agreed that it would make for a smoother transition of coaching and management responsibility if I withdrew from the head coach position with immediate effect.”
It now remains to be seen whether Woodward will go quietly following an 83-Test career over seven years which produced 59 victories, two draws and 22 defeats.
If there are issues irking him, such as the prolonged battles he has fought for release of players to attend international training days, then he is likely to let rip.
It would be entirely Woodward’s style, should he see the need, to get matters off his chest, suggesting the 48-year-old’s Twickenham farewell could produce fireworks.
What Woodward will do in the immediate future is unclear. Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe is keen to welcome him on board at St Mary’s, but next year’s Lions tour of New Zealand - when Woodward will travel as coaching supremo - should, and undoubtedly will, command his utmost attention.
Robinson cannot be deflected by events surrounding Woodward, and he will begin his new role on Monday, planning for England’s three remaining Tests in a year which has seen them suffer five defeats from eight starts.
“I made it very clear to the RFU and Clive that my wish was for him to stay on as head coach,” said former Bath captain Robinson.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Clive over the last four years with England and I would personally like to congratulate him on the success he has achieved in leading England to the World Cup and as number one team in the world.
“I wish him all the best. However, I have now been offered an opportunity, which I have accepted, and I am looking forward to England’s first training session on September 20.”
Baron last night revealed his personal disappointment. “While I fully understand the terms of Clive’s contract, I am personally disappointed that he has decided to leave his post as England head coach,” he said.
“I, and the RFU, would have liked him to have stayed on in that role until the end of World Cup 2007, as was intended when he signed his new contract prior to the World Cup in 2003. I can confirm that Andy Robinson has been offered and accepted the role of acting head coach for an interim period, with effect from Monday, September 6, which will include the Investec Challenge Series autumn internationals in November.
“Andy has a wealth of experience at club and international level, and I’m sure he will do an excellent job.
“The process for the appointment of a new head coach begins immediately, as set out in the RFU constitution.
“Andy is clearly a strong candidate for the full-time post, and he can apply for the job, on a full-time basis, in accordance with our procedures.”
Fellow England specialist coaches such as Phil Larder, Joe Lydon, Jim Mallinder and Brian Ashton are likely to be considered.
Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew and Gloucester boss Nigel Melville have strong claims, although both distanced themselves from the high-profile job vacancy yesterday.
“I keep being asked about this, but the answer has never changed,” said former England fly-half Andrew.
“The job hasn’t been offered to me, and no-one from the RFU has been in contact, so in a way there is no point in even talking about it.
“But just to put the thing to bed once and for all, even if the job was offered, the answer would be ‘no’.”
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