Robinson stands down as England coach

England coach Andy Robinson has stepped down from his post, he announced yesterday.

"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," Robinson said.

England lost three of their four November internationals, taking Robinson's record to 13 defeats in 22 games in charge since he was appointed to succeed Clive Woodward two years ago.

Robinson, Woodward's assistant when England won the World Cup in 2003, had said repeatedly he would not resign.

The clamour for Robinson to step aside grew after England lost 25-14 to South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday, which was their eighth loss in nine games.

Even then Robinson felt he would be allowed to carry on.

"Following last Saturday's match vs South Africa my position remained that I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup in 2007, notwithstanding the setbacks that we have had," he said.

"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team."

However, he did not have the backing of the RFU Management Board and had no option but to leave the job.

England's next match is against Scotland in the Six Nations next February. They begin the defence of the World Cup in France in September.