He may wish to stick to his job but the RFU chiefs have sacked him from the post - England’s divisive rugby coach Andy Robinson would not be attending a three day seminar for World Cup Coaches beginning in Paris tomorrow. This is an age old tradition all over the Globe, the Coach responsible for defeats, how could England miss-out - England who have lost eight straight games out of the nine they have played this month with some as humiliating as 25-14 to South Africa at the weekend... and for that Mr. Robinson’s responsible? He may be the squad’s pick but he matters no more to the rest.
Robinson had replaced the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward and was at the helm of things for over 22 Tests managing only nine wins and a mere solitary away from home. Most would lament of him transforming the world champions into the state they are in - but is it the coach’s sole responsibility or has the England squad grown less competitive?
Robinson who had been contracted with the side until 2008 post expulsion will also miss out on the opportunity of coaching England for the Rugby World Cup in France next year. Speculations have raged high of his replacements and the World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson will be the foremost choice, however, on his unavailability former Ireland coach Warren Gatland or ex-South Africa coach Nick Mallett could be approached - It may be the right decision for Robinson to part but it will take a lot more than mere coaching reshuffle for England Rugby to return to their prime.
