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LONDON - Andy Robinson reluctantly stood down as England rugby coach today, signing off with a warning that the world champions would continue to struggle if they could not find a way to end the club versus country war.
England's 25-14 defeat by South Africa on Saturday (Sunday
morning NZT) was their eighth loss in nine games and took Robinson's record to 13 defeats in 22 since he took over from Clive Woodward two years ago. It then became a matter of when, rather than if, he lost the job.
After two days of apparent negotiations over a settlement, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) issued statements from Robinson and Rob Andrew, the elite director of rugby, today.
"Following last Saturday's match v South Africa my position remained that I was confident 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," said Robinson.
"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team," he added.
"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."
Andrew, who was appointed in August following the sacking of Robinson's assistants Phil Larder, Joe Lydon and Dave Alred in April, said in a statement:
"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 (Rugby World Cup) success in 2003... the RFU will always be grateful for his contribution to the England cause."
As forwards coach, Robinson was a key part of England's success under Woodward but when the World Cup-winning head coach resigned in 2004 he warned his assistant not to take on the post unless there were significant changes.
In particular, Woodward referred to the time available with players and the relationship with the English clubs that has been poor since the advent of professionalism 11 years ago.
Robinson said today: "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."
Andrew, who in his previous role as director of rugby at Newcastle was in the forefront of the battle with the RFU, accepted that change was needed.
Saying that "all options would be considered" when selecting Robinson's successor, he added: "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."
Who is likely to be in charge when England play their next match, against Scotland in the Six Nations in February, remains open to speculation.
One possible scenario is for recently-appointed attack coach Brian Ashton to be given overall control, perhaps with Andrew having a more hands-on approach.
Other leading former international coaches Warren Gatland and Nick Mallett are in the frame, while there have been calls to find a role for World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson.
Whoever gets the job has a tough task to transform a team that has slipped to seventh in the world rankings into one that can successfully defend the World Cup in France next year.
- REUTERS
