No RFU action against England boss Robinson

England head coach Andy Robinson has avoided disciplinary action over his comments about South African referee Jonathan Kaplan.

Robinson was incensed when England had a try disallowed during their RBS 6 Nations championship defeat against Ireland in Dublin eight days ago, and also because Kaplan failed to consult the video official on a key late decision.

Robinson hit out in post-match interviews, and the Rugby Football Union investigated his comments through their disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett.

Robinson, whose team have yet to win a game in the tournament, could have been charged with disrepute but he has instead being warned to “avoid making critical comments of match officials during press conferences and interviews”.

RFU referees' manager Colin High, who also criticised Kaplan, has been "formally warned about his future conduct'' and provisionally suspended as an international referee assessor.

High, who made his comments in a national newspaper, has written a letter of apology to Kaplan.

This was taken into account by the RFU who have asked High to make a donation of £1,000 (€1,450) to the International Rugby Board Tsunami appeal.

Had Robinson been hit with a disrepute charge, then he would have faced a fine and touchline ban.

But preparations for England’s Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday will now continue unhindered with Robinson set to announce his starting line-up later today.