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Blackleaf
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Andy Robinson quits as England rugby coachTimes Online
November 29, 2006
Robinson resigns at last
Martin Johnson, Eddie Jones and Brian Ashton are amongst the favourites to be England's new coach.
Andy Robinson, the England head coach, has resigned from his post following a run of eight defeats in nine games.
Robinson lost 13 of 22 Test matches during his two-year reign and made the announcement after meeting the Rugby Football Union hierarchy.
The 42-year-old succeeded Sir Clive Woodward as coach in late 2004 about a year after England had won the World Cup.
In a statement, Robinson said: "Following last Saturday’s match v South Africa my position remained that I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, not withstanding the setbacks that 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.
"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. If that is so then my successor may have a sensible platform from which to meet everyone’s expectations for England success."
Rob Andrew, the elite rugby director at the RFU, said: “On behalf of the Rugby Football Union I am announcing that, further to recent England results and performances, Andy Robinson OBE 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.
“Andy played a significant part in England’s Grand Slam, unbeaten tour to Australia and New Zealand and RWC success in 2003. He also recorded excellent wins against Australia, South Africa and Wales during his tenure as head coach and was always totally committed to the role. The RFU will always be grateful for his contribution to the England cause.
“Unfortunately, with the exception of the win against South Africa on November 18, 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.
“The review of the four Investec Challenge matches will continue and I will be making my recommendations on the way forward for the team to Club England when they meet on December 7. They in turn will review my report and make their recommendations to the RFU management board for their final decision on December 20.
“We will not be making any comment about the appointment of a new head coach until we are ready to do so but all options will be considered.
“We will also need to take into account the work that has been going on within the RFU over the last three months over possible new structures for the professional game.
“These are in the process of being completed, with expert external advice, and we expect to be in a position to take proposals to the RFU Council in January 2007 prior to them going out to Premier Rugby Ltd and the game for wider consultation.”
ENGLAND'S RECORD UNDER ROBINSON
Overall record: played 22, won 9, lost 13
2006
November 25: England 14 South Africa 25 (Twickenham)
November 18: England 23 South Africa 21 (Twickenham)
November 11: England 18 Argentina 25 (Twickenham)
November 5: England 20 New Zealand 41 (Twickenham)
June 17: Australia 43 England 18 (Melbourne)
June 11: Australia 34 England 3 (Sydney)
March 18: England 24 Ireland 28 (Twickenham, Six Nations)
March 12: France 31 England 6 (Paris, Six Nations)
February 25: Scotland 18 England 12 (Edinburgh, Six Nations)
February 11: Italy 16 England 31 (Rome, Six Nations)
February 4: England 47 Wales 13 (Twickenham, Six Nations)
2005
November 26: England 40 Samoa 3 (Twickenham)
November 19: England 19 New Zealand 23 (Twickenham)
November 12: England 26 Australia 16 (Twickenham)
March 19: England 43 Scotland 22 (Twickenham, Six Nations)
March 12: England 39 Italy 7 (Twickenham, Six Nations)
February 27: Ireland 19 England 13 (Dublin, Six Nations)
February 13: England 17 France 18 (Twickenham, Six Nations)
February 5: Wales 11 England 9 (Cardiff, Six Nations)
2004
November 27: England 19 Australia 21 (Twickenham)
November 20: England 32 South Africa 16 (Twickenham)
November 13: England 70 Canada 0 (Twickenham)
At Twickenham: P15, W8, L7.
Away record: P7, W1, L6.
thetimesonline.co.uk
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Reluctant Hero
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I think they have used the term resigns loosely.
I think he was pushed. Personally I thought he was doing a great job though 
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SLG
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Aye, I would have been happy to see him continue till at least the 6 nations.
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