Robinson resigns, but defiant to the end

ANDY ROBINSON resigned as England head coach yesterday afternoon – then insisted he could still have overseen a successful World Cup defence.

Robinson insisted he retained the full confidence of England’s players and management team but was forced to fall on his sword by Rugby Football Union top brass.

And in scenes reminiscent of his predecessor Sir Clive Woodward’s departure in September 2004, he took a bitter swipe at the structure of English rugby as he headed for the Twickenham exits.

In a statement Robinson said: “Following last Saturday’s match against South Africa my position remained that I was confident I would coach the England through to a successful World Cup in 2007, not withstanding the setbacks we have had through the autumn.

“It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team.

“However, 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.

“Therefore, it is with regret that I have agreed a parting of the ways with the RFU and I will cease to be England head coach with immediate effect.”

Robinson left little doubt who he blamed for the world champions alarming decline by demanding English rugby acknowledged its set-up is flawed with coaches paying the ultimate price for an unworkable system.

He continued: “For six years I have been proud to work with some outstanding people in the England team management and in the England squad.

“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.

“On the occasion of my departure I leave very much hoping that rather than sacrificing any more England victories and sacrificing more quality coaches, that the professional game in this country admits that the current structure and system for developing elite rugby players and performance in the international arena is not working.

England lost 13 of their 22 Tests under Robinson with his fate effectively sealed by Saturday’s desperate 25-14 defeat by an under-strength South Africa at Twickenham.

But negotiations over the 42-year-old’s compensation package – he was contracted until June 2008 – meant his painfully drawn-out departure was delayed until today.

Rob Andrew, the recently appointed director of elite rugby, admitted Robinson had paid the price for England’s decline.

He said: “On behalf of the RFU I’m announcing that, further to recent England results and performances, Andy Robinson is standing down from the position of head coach with immediate effect.

“The 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.

“Unfortunately, with the exception of the win against South Africa on November 18th, 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.”

Robinson’s position became untenable after presiding over the disastrous autumn series which consisted of defeats to New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa.

England have slumped to seventh in the International Rugby Board rankings under Robinson’s stewardship and now appear incapable of mounting a credible World Cup defence in France next year.

He survived the post-RBS 6 Nations review in April despite England’s fourth-place finish but his assistants Phil Larder, Dave Alred and Joe Lydon were axed.

Brian Ashton, John Wells and Mike Ford were brought in to revive the world champions while Rob Andrew was appointed director of elite rugby – all to little effect.