English rugby shake-up continues as RFU fire coach

DAVE REDDIN — the fitness guru who played a key role in England’s 2003 World Cup success — has followed head coach Andy Robinson out of Twickenham.

Barely a week after Robinson departed on the back of eight defeats in nine Tests, Reddin was made redundant with immediate effect from his post as RFU head of fitness and nutrition.

In less than eight months, Reddin, Robinson, ex-defence coach Phil Larder, former backs coach Joe Lydon and kicking expert Dave Alred have all left their posts.

Reddin’s work with the senior England squad will be taken up by RFU national fitness coach Calvin Morris.

But the 37-year-old Reddin said: “Although the RFU have explained the rationale for their decision to make my role redundant, I am disappointed to be leaving.

“I do feel proud to have been associated with the most successful period in English rugby history, and my hope is that positive changes are made to recreate that.

“It has been a great privilege to have been involved with England over the past eight years and almost 100 Test matches.

“I have worked with some incredible players and two outstanding coaches in Clive Woodward and Andy Robinson.”

News of Reddin’s exit came on the day RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew presented a report to Club England colleagues about the way forward for England following a catastrophic year that produced eight losses in 11 Tests.

On Reddin’s departure, Andrew said: “Dave made a huge impact during his eight years with the RFU in developing a world-class fitness programme to support the senior side.”

Players’ chief Damian Hopley, meanwhile, has hailed a proposed place for Andrew on the RFU management board as “a significant step forward”.

The elevation of current attack coach Brian Ashton to caretaker England boss is one possible outcome of Andrew’s recommendations to Club England, which will require ratification later this month.