Robinson’s replacement to be Ashton as England coach

Twickenham, Dec 21: Brian Ashton was named the new England Rugby Head Coach at a press conference at Twickenham on Wednesday (20th December, 2006). Ashton had been previously working within the England set up as a 'specialist forwards coach'.

He replaces Andy Robinson who resigned from the role in November following a poor sequence of results.

Twickenham, the home of English Rugby, was the perfect setting as the RFU confirmed that Brian Ashton would take over the reigns as the new England Head Coach.

The 60 year-old will be expected to reverse an alarming slump in form since the side were crowned World Champions back in 2003.

"English rugby has to put that aside and move on because if we don't do that we will stay stuck in this mess and that was why, I mean it was very important we had this sorted out before Christmas. We have all the planning for the six nations ready to go, squads to announce on the 2nd January (2007) and the mood is very positive despite what has happened and that is how we want it to be from the 1st January.": Rob Andrew, Director of Elite Rugby, England.

Ashton will make the step up from his role as attacking coach and despite doubts raised by some over his lack of managerial experience, he insists he is more than up to the job as his record suggests.

"It's not irked me because I didn't know that was the perception to be honest. I have read one or two of the newspapers this morning and seen that in one or two people's eyes that is a perception, but everybody has an opinion haven't they. I was number one in Ireland, I was number one at Bath from 1994-1997. I was number one at Bath again not that long ago.": Brian Ashton, England Rugby Head Coach.

Former Head Coach Andy Robinson resigned last month (November, 2006) following a run of 8 defeats in 9 tests. During his reign the squad were heavily criticised for their performances and for their style of defensively orientated rugby.

And the new coach is planning to bring in a more attacking and enjoyable approach to England's game.

"They key thing at the moment is to get the enjoyment back in of playing the game, there's no doubt about that, that is something that I felt very firm on all the way throughout my coaching career, right through from the amateur to the professional days as well. It is a game, the players have to enjoy it, if they enjoy it you get the best out of them, we have got to get that back into them, playing with a smile on their faces, that is really important to me.": Brian Ashton, England Rugby Head Coach.

Ashton's first game in charge will be at home to Scotland in February, 2007.

Bureau Report