Andy Robinson quits Scotland’s head coaching role

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has announced today he is stepping down from his role with immediate effect.
The decision follows their embarrassing 21-15 defeat to Tonga yesterday in Aberdeen while they also lost to New Zealand and South Africa in the two previous weeks.
Last year was a roller coaster ride for Robinson’s team as they failed to qualify from their World Cup group stage before picking the wooden spoon in the last Six Nations losing to Italy on the last day.
But they toured Australasia last summer and came back undeafeted with wins over Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
They went into the Autumn internationals full of hope as a result but failed to deliver and yesterday was the last straw for the former England flanker.
He 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.”
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.
“I have passed onto Andy Scottish Rugby’s thanks for his hard work and commitment during his term as national coach.
“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.
“Andy is an outstanding leader and a fine coach and we wish him well.
“I’d like to thank our fans for their great support during the Autumn Tests and look forward to welcoming them to Murrayfield for the home games against Italy, Ireland and Wales in the 2013 RBS 6 Nations.”