England rugby head coach officially resigns

After several days of uncertainty, Sir Clive Woodward's future is settled – the England supremo has officially resigned with immediate effect.

Sir Clive handed in a letter to RFU Chief Executive, Francis Baron, last night informing him that he was officially resigning as England head coach.

In a statement, Sir Clive said that he had offered to stay for the Investec test matches in the autumn, but "it would make for a smoother transition of coaching and management responsibility" if he left immediately.

Former England international Andy Robinson has taken over as acting head coach effective from September 6.

RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron said he was "personally disappointed" by Sir Clive's decision and he would be a hard act to follow. But the process of finding a suitable replacement had already begun, he confirmed.

Mr Baron said: “Clive has done an outstanding job for England and the Union and his notable successes in winning the Grand Slam and the Rugby World Cup in the same year are massive achievements for which he has been rightly honoured.

“I’m sure that Clive will have success in any challenges that he may now decide to accept and we are in the process of considering suitable candidates to replace him."

The chief executive also paid tribute to Andy Robinson who has a "wealth of experience at club and international level and I’m sure he will do an excellent job". Robinson, he said, was a "strong candidate" for the vacant post.

Andy Robinson said: “I made it very clear to the RFU and Clive that my wish was for him stay on as Head Coach. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Clive over the last four years with England and would personally like to congratulate him on the success he has achieved in leading England to the RWC and as the Number 1 team in the world. I wish him all the best. However, I have now been offered an opportunity, which I have accepted and I’m looking forward to England’s first training session on September 20th.”

(gmcg)