England Head Coach Andy Robinson - First Press Conference - 20/10/04

England will not become Gypsies?

England Head Coach - Andy Robinson OBE, held his first press conference today and was asked if he was concerned about the mounting injury list he was facing ahead of the Investec Challenge matches against Canada 13/11, South Africa 20/11 and Australia on 27/11.  Robinson also confirmed that he would announce a 40 man squad to prepare for the three Investec tests on Tuesday 26/10.

“Injuries are part of the sport, we’ve faced these problems before and they create opportunities for other players. We’ve got some depth to choose from and the injuries are part of the nature of the sport and we have to cope with that.”

"We’ve got a big couple of weeks coming up and a number of issues to face including the injuries to Steve Thompson (Northampton Saints) and last night’s six week ban for George Chuter (Leicester Tigers). Obviously, we need Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks) and Mark Regan (Leeds Tykes) fit but if any players come into the squad I’m sure they will adapt".

Robinson was asked what the job of England Head Coach meant to him?

“I was very excited to be made Acting Head Coach and now that the appointment is permanent as far as I’m concerned it’s business as usual. It’s a great honour and I’m looking forward to the matches in the autumn. My aim is to put England back at the top of the pile. I’m totally driven and I aim to leave no stone unturned. I want us to go into the RWC in 2007 as favourites and try and to do something no team has done before and defend the championship.  “My short term goals are the next three games and then the RBS Six Nations. We were third last time and we need to improve.”

Asked if Matt Dawson (London Wasps) still featured in his plans he said

“If it’s right to select Matt I will. At the moment I’m looking to Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) and Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester) for the autumn games and they are both in good form. Matt is always in contention and that will continue unless his circumstances change and he decides to retire from international rugby.”

Questioned about the perceived problems Sir Clive Woodward had with the Zurich Premiership Directors of Rugby, Andy  said

 “I don’t see it as a fight I see it as working with the Directors of Rugby. It’s not just about me but also the other England coaches maintaining those relationships. At times it would appear that relationships were strained in the past but that’s between Clive and them.”

Robinson was asked about England’s recent training sessions at Loughborough University and whether this was the start of England training around the country.

 “We’re not going to become gypsies. Loughborough was good and we’re now in talks with Rugby League to see what we can learn from them and the possibility of training with them. “However, we’re only in the planning stages. We had 300 students watching the Tuesday session and the enthusiasm was good.”

Questioned if Phil Larder would be promoted to a number two role Andy said

“No-one else is coming in at this stage. I want to work with the coaches and the management team. At the moment I’ve got the right team in place. I very much see Phil working on defence and Joe Lydon on attack, with Dave Alred and Dave Reddin working in their specialist areas.”

Robinson was asked if England would hold any public sessions like the All Blacks and if he would risk playing Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons) if he wasn’t fully match fit he replied

“We’ll have public sessions at the right times. Winning has to the priority. The ‘Scrum in the Park’ with 02 was a big success but I won’t be compromising our aim to win games.

 “I’m not going to jeopardise anyone’s career. At the moment Jonny has picked up a couple of injuries, different from the one which was operated on, and he is receiving help from the medical teams. The treatment is very positive and we’ll see what happens. I’m pleased he’s come back and the with way in which he’s playing.”

Questioned regarding any concerns about foreign players and his working relationship with Leicester Tigers, Andy concluded the press conference by saying

“I’m in continual contact with John Wells at Leicester Tigers and we have a good working relationship. Leicester Tigers have provided a tremendous amount of players to England and this will continue with players like Ollie Smith, Louis Deacon and Ross Broadfoot all making their mark. This is also an important month for Lewis Moody and obviously his selection will depend on whether he’s fit and playing.”

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