Robinson named new England coach - 橄欖球

Friday, 15 October, 2004, 11:57 GMT 12:57 UK
Robinson named new England coach


Andy Robinson has been appointed head coach of England until June 2008.

Robinson, 40, went before a Rugby Football Union panel on Thursday to
make his case for the role full-time.

The former assistant to World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward became
the caretaker boss after Woodward's resignation last month.

"Andy has impressed us all that he has the vision and enthusiasm to take
on the best coaching job in world rugby," said RFU boss Francis Baron.

"Inevitably, after last year's victory in the Rugby World Cup, we are
going through a period of transition and development. Andy has our full
support and I am confident he will now move England on to the next level."

Robinson met with a four-man panel, consisting of three former England
captains, Fran Cotton, Bill Beaumont OBE, and Chairman of the Club England
committee John Spencer, together with Chris Spice the RFU's Performance
Director.

Spencer said their recommendation to the Management Board to appoint
Robinson as head coach was unanimous.

"Andy Robinson's determination and commitment can never be doubted and
he has an insatiable appetite for hard work," he said.

"England Rugby has the right man as head coach, a strong man of astute
and independent judgement.

"The game can have absolute confidence in his experience and desire to
produce the best during a very demanding development period. He is
passionately English and he is a winner, as his record shows."

Robinson, a former Bath player and coach and England and Lions flanker,
insisted that he can take England forward in their quest to defend the
World Cup in 2007.

"I expect every rugby coach in England aspires to coaching their country
one day and I feel honoured to have this opportunity," said Robinson,
who earlier this month named Jonny Wilkinson as England captain for the
three autumn Tests.

"Clive set a standard for all of us to follow. His successful record at
the helm, culminating in us winning the World Cup last year, was unique
and very special. It was my privilege as his assistant coach to be part
of that achievement.

"But my challenge now is the next era and to ensure the World Cup remains
at Twickenham in 2007. It's a huge task ahead for all of us and one I am
excited about leading."

Robinson's first Test in charge will be against Canada at Twickenham on
13 November, followed by Tri-Nations champions South Africa and World Cup
runners-up Australia in successive weeks.


ANDY ROBINSON FACTFILE

1964: Born Taunton, 3 April
1986: Joins Bath
1988: Makes England debut against Australia
1992: Leads Bath to league and cup double in first season as captain
1995: Recalled by England after six-year absence to win eighth cap v South
Africa
1997: Appointed Bath coach after resignation of Brian Ashton
1997: Sir Clive Woodward installed as his assistant at Bath
1998: Leads Bath to Heineken Cup glory with a 19-18 win over Brive
2000: Appointed assistant England coach
2000: Named as assistant coach for 2001 Lions tour to Australia
2003: Helps England secure the World Cup
October 2004: Appointed England coach


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