Robinson joins England squad

Andy Robinson will report directly to Clive Woodward

England have been given a boost, ahead of their summer tour to South Africa, with the news that Bath coach Andy Robinson has been named as full-time coach.

Robinson will report directly to Clive Woodward, who becomes England team manager.

Woodward will retain control of all England squad affairs.

Robinson fact-file

1986: Joins Bath

1988: Wins first England cap against Australia

1989: Voted European Player of the Year

1989: Selected for the British Lions tour of Australia

1992: Leads Bath to a league and cup double as captain

1997: Appointed Bath coach after Brian Ashton

1998: Bath become England's first European champions

2000: Appointed England coach

Bath have agreed to release Robinson, who won eight England caps during his playing career from his club commitments, and he will leave with the squad for South Africa on Wednesday evening.

Woodward has been awarded a contract until after the 2003 World Cup, while Robinson has signed what Twickenham termed "a standard Rugby Football Union coaching contract".

Robinson, who worked with Woodward at Bath in 1997, said he was relishing his new challenge.

"Ever since Clive approached me, I have been very excited about the prospect of getting involved with England," he said.

"There is an outstanding group of players here.

"We've got five tough games ahead of us in South Africa, and these are exciting times, especially for the new players involved with the squad."

Obvious choice

Robinson's appointment is undoubtedly the worst kept secret is rugby union, having been rumoured for several weeks.

He had refused to speculate ahead of the official announcement, made at the Marines training base in Devon, where England have been based since Sunday.

Clive Woodward has been awarded a new contract

Robinson's coaching career is something of a fledgling one, having replaced Brian Ashton as Bath supremo three and a half years ago.

Although Bath failed to land a domestic trophy during that time, they were crowned 1998 European Champions after shocking Heineken Cup title holders Brive 19-18 in Bordeaux.

As a player, Robinson was an outstanding open side flanker, touring Australia with a 1989 British Lions, and captaining Bath to a league and cup double three years later.

His departure from the Recreation Ground leaves Bath, Premiership runners-up this season, with a considerable void to fill.

But it is understood that an announcement regarding Robinson's replacement could be made shortly.