Robinson agrees new Scotland deal

Andy Robinson has agreed a contract to stay as Scotland head coach until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Robinson, whose previous deal with the Scottish Rugby Union was due to expire at the end of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations, was appointed in 2009 following the departure of Frank Hadden.

The 46-year-old had been linked with a return to Bath following this autumn’s World Cup in New Zealand, but is now set to stay at Murrayfield until December 31, 2015.

Robinson was promoted into the Scotland job after taking charge of Edinburgh following his departure as England boss.

The progress he has made at Murrayfield – including wins over Ireland, Argentina (twice), South Africa and Australia in little more than a year – has attracted numerous plaudits.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have secured Andy until December 2015.

“I said when we appointed Andy back in 2009 that he would bring success to Scotland and I have every reason to expect that Scotland will continue to improve in the coming years under his leadership.

“Andy is an important part of the Scottish Rugby family and he has made a real impact on the national team taking us to seventh in the world and achieving fine victories over southern hemisphere opposition last year.

“Andy is highly regarded throughout the world as a coach and to have secured his services until beyond the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015 is a great coup and further underlines that rugby in Scotland is in good health.”

SRU chairman Allan Munro added: “The Scottish Rugby board was keen to keep Andy in Scotland and this extension until December 2015 will enable Andy to build on the recent improving performances of the national team.

“It’s great news for everyone associated with the game in Scotland.”