Angry Robinson falls on sword.

Byline: By Duncan Bech

England supremo Rob Andrew insists he will not step into the breach in any capacity as the search begins for Andy Robinson's replacement.

Robinson's painfully drawn-out departure was concluded yesterday afternoon when the England head coach reluctantly stood down after presiding over one of the darkest periods in the nation's rugby history.

England lost 13 of their 22 Tests under Robinson with his fate effectively sealed by Saturday's desperate 25-14 defeat by an under-strength South Africa at Twickenham.

But negotiations over the 42-year-old's compensation package ( he was contracted until June 2008 ( meant official confirmation of his removal could not be announced until yesterday (correct). A successor will be appointed but Andrew, Twickenham's director of elite rugby, gave no indication of who is on the RFU's wish-list or what the job title will be. One proposal has been to keep the existing coaching set-up ( consisting of John Wells, Brian Ashton and Mike Ford ( with Andrew himself adopting a more hands-on role as their immediate boss.

But the former England fly-half and Newcastle director of rugby has ruled out any day-to-day involvement in the England team, either on a short or long term basis. When asked if he will come to the rescue in a coaching or managerial role in any capacity, Andrew replied: "No".

He continued: "Me stepping in is not part of the thinking that has been going on. We now have to take our time, not too long obviously, but take our time and reflect on what is required next in the context of the rest of this season and the World Cup. I don't expect that to mean me taking temporary control."

Andrew revealed the decision to remove Robinson was made on Sunday after it had been concluded England's dismal autumn record of three defeats from four Tests demanded action.

"We have looked at everything in the last few games and in the last 12 months. It was felt it was the right for Andy and the union to part company," he said. "This hasn't been easy for anybody but it was agreed the termination of Andy's contract was the best way to move English rugby forward. Andy's been a great servant to the union, everybody knows that.

"We just felt that after losing to Argentina and the second South African Test, a change needed to be made."

In scenes reminiscent of his predecessor Sir Clive Woodward's departure in September 2004, Robinson took a bitter swipe at his RFU paymasters as he headed for the Twickenham exit.

Robinson was convinced he could have overseen a successful World Cup defence and insisted he retained the full confidence of England's players and coaching team. And he made it clear he had been forced to fall on his sword by RFU top brass.

In a statement Robinson said: "Following last Saturday's match against South Africa my position remained that I was confident I would coach England through to a successful World Cup in 2007.

"It is my understanding that I had, and still have, the support of the England players and the England management team. However, in the last 48 hours I have been advised by senior colleagues that those who have governance over me ( the RFU Management Board ( do not, and will not, continue to support me as England head coach.

"Therefore, it is with regret that I have agreed a parting of the ways with the RFU and I will cease to be England head coach with immediate effect."

Robinson left little doubt who he blamed for the world champions' alarming decline by demanding English rugby acknowledged its set-up is flawed with coaches paying the ultimate price for an unworkable system.

There have been an unprecedented number of injuries to England's elite player squad as the physical demands on Test stars continued to take a heavy toll and those that have been fit have frequently struggled to execute the basic of the game.

He continued: "For six years I have been proud to work with some outstanding people in the England team management and in the England squad.

"They all understand the responsibility, sacrifice and hard work that it takes for England to win. I would like to thank each of them for their support and professionalism throughout.

"I leave very much hoping that rather than sacrificing any more England victories and sacrificing more quality coaches, that the professional game in this country admits that the current structure and system for developing elite rugby players and performance in the international arena is not working.

"If that is so then my successor may have a sensible platform from which to meet everyone's expectations for England success."

Andrew agreed with Robinson that the structure of English rugby needs a complete overhaul but warned he would not be rushed into implementing a solution.

"It's clear from the last two or three years that England have been left behind in the world game," he said.

"Our structures have allowed other countries to leapfrog England in terms of player preparation. That's obvious to everyone. We have to find an answer to a problem which has been ongoing throughout the 10 years of professional rugby.

"It's something that needs considering over the next few weeks but we won't be rushed on that.

"We have to get it right otherwise we'll be continually up against the problems we've had over the last two or three years."