Rugby
Scotland coach Robinson quits
2012-11-25 13:11
London - Scotland coach Andy Robinson has
resigned a day after his side lost to Tonga, the Scottish Rugby Union
(SRU) announced on Sunday.
The Englishman had been under contract
until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but the 21-15 upset loss to the
Tongans in Aberdeen meant that the Scots had lost 10 of their last 13
matches, including elimination from the World Cup at the group phase for
the first time.
They also lost their three November internationals, all at home, to New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga.
In
a statement issued by the SRU, Robinson, who was appointed in June
2009, said: "It's been a privilege to be the head coach of Scotland and
I'd like to thank the fans, players, coaches and staff for all their
support over the years.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the coaches in the last few years.
"I
believe I have left the team in a better position than when I took over
and have great confidence in the players and the coaches for the
future.
"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team."
Robinson
was given a vote of confidence after the early World Cup exit in New
Zealand, but despite high hopes Scotland slumped to a wooden spoon in
the Six Nations, losing all five games.
There then followed
encouragement in the form of wins on the June tour to Australia, Fiji
and Samoa, but a 51-22 loss to New Zealand, a 21-10 reverse to South
Africa and the Tonga debacle leaves Scotland a lowly 12th in the world
rankings.
Scottish Rugby's Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, stated:
"Following the sequence of recent results during the EMC Autumn Tests a
change in head coach is required to take the team forward and build
towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
"Andy has overseen some fine
results as Scotland head coach since he was appointed in June 2009 but
the recent defeats have been very disappointing.
The search for Robinson's successor will begin immediately, with assistant coach Scott Johnson a possible contender.
Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett may also consider the role worth the challenge.