Sport 03-09-2004 Robinson Takes Over From Woodward who: England Rugby Coach, Clive Woodward what: Resigns after leading England for seven years where: TWICKENHAM when: Yesterday snippet: "Sir Clive Woodward`s reign as English rugby`s national head coach is over," reports The Scotsman, "after he handed in his resignation yesterday and it was accepted by Twickenham officials." "The announcement ends a week of speculation that Sir Clive would finally call time on his successful seven-year spell as England coach," says Sky News, "which culminated in winning the rugby World Cup in Australia last November." "Andy Robinson has been named acting head coach for the November Tests," says the BBC. "Robinson will take over on an interim basis starting on Monday for the period leading up to and including matches against Canada, South Africa and Australia." "Close colleagues said [Woodward] had decided to quit for three reasons," explains The Independent`s Chris Hewett, "that he did not have the energy or motivation to re-build an England team stripped of an entire generation of world-class players, including Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio; that he felt he had lost a crucial battle with the Premiership clubs over player access for international matches; and that he believed he could not coach both England and the British and Irish Lions, whom he is contracted to lead on a three-Test tour of New Zealand next summer." [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!