Andy Robinson agrees new Scotland contract

Matt McGeehan,Pa
Wednesday 09 February 2011 10:35 EST
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Andy Robinson has agreed a contract to stay as Scotland head coach until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Robinson, whose previous deal with the Scottish Rugby Union was due to expire at the end of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations, was appointed in 2009 following the departure of Frank Hadden.

The 46-year-old had been linked with a return to Bath following this autumn's World Cup in New Zealand, but is now set to stay at Murrayfield until December 31, 2015.

Former England head coach Robinson has led Scotland to seven wins and a draw in 14 Tests since taking charge.

And Robinson, who is today set to announce his team to face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday, has five wins from the last seven Tests following last weekend's loss to France.

Robinson said: "I am very proud to be the Scotland head coach and I am delighted that the great work already underway will continue until after the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

"I am very happy with the progress that has been made by Scottish Rugby in recent seasons and have every confidence the Scottish professional teams will continue to play an important role in supporting the success of the Scotland team.

"I want to personally thank Scottish Rugby and the rugby public for the fantastic support the national team enjoys and I can assure them that I will be doing everything I possibly can along with my management team and the players to bring further success to the nation in the years ahead.

"This Saturday's game against Wales provides us with the perfect opportunity to get that important first win in the RBS 6 Nations championship."

Robinson was promoted into the Scotland job after taking charge of Edinburgh following his departure as England boss.

The progress he has made at Murrayfield - including wins over Ireland, Argentina (twice), South Africa and Australia in little more than a year - has attracted numerous plaudits.

SRU chief executive Gordon McKie said: "We are absolutely delighted that we have secured Andy until December 2015.

"I said when we appointed Andy back in 2009 that he would bring success to Scotland and I have every reason to expect that Scotland will continue to improve in the coming years under his leadership.

"Andy is an important part of the Scottish Rugby family and he has made a real impact on the national team taking us to seventh in the world and achieving fine victories over southern hemisphere opposition last year.

"Andy is highly regarded throughout the world as a coach and to have secured his services until beyond the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015 is a great coup and further underlines that rugby in Scotland is in good health."

SRU chairman Allan Munro added: "The Scottish Rugby board was keen to keep Andy in Scotland and this extension until December 2015 will enable Andy to build on the recent improving performances of the national team.

"It's great news for everyone associated with the game in Scotland."

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