Scotland Rugby
Robinson to continue as Scotland head coach
ESPNscrum Staff
March 29, 2012
Scotland boss Andy Robinson unveils his provisional Rugby World Cup squad, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, May 10, 2011
Scotland boss Andy Robinson has been handed a vote of confidence by the Scottish Rugby Union © PA Photos
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Under-fire Scotland coach Andy Robinson is set to continue in his post following a review into his side's lacklustre Six Nations campaign.

Scotland finished with the wooden spoon after five straight defeats that extended their losing run to seven games dating back to their agonising loss to Argentina at last year's Rugby World Cup.

The Scots' worst run of results since 1998 and their first win-less Championship since 2004 increased the pressure on the 47-year-old Robinson who is under contract until the 2015 World Cup. He has now overseen just two victories in 15 Six Nations matches but has been handed a vote of confidence by SRU chief executive Mark Dodson.

A statement from the SRU read: "(SRU chief executive) Mark Dodson and Andy Robinson met today for discussions following the RBS 6 Nations. The discussions were positive and concluded that Andy will continue to lead the Scotland national team with the support of his revised coaching structure."

Robinson entered a period of introspection after a Six Nations campaign which ended with a 13-6 loss to Italy in Rome on March 17. Following the loss to Italy, Robinson was adamant the decision over whether he would stay remained his.

He said: "I'm still contracted until 2015. I'm going away to reflect on the Six Nations and reflect on the future, in terms of the positivity that we have, the players we have and the way forward - and putting a plan together for the way forward. There's a lot to take in in terms of what's happened and it's about looking at the future and what's best for the future."

Robinson was encouraged by the performances of young talent such as Edinburgh No.8 David Denton and Glasgow Warriors fullback Stuart Hogg, both of whom made their first Test starts during the Six Nations, and has now been convinced to stay.

Robinson will now conduct a review of the tournament before leading Scotland on the summer tour of Australia, Samoa and Fiji, with new support staff in place. Robinson recruited Scott Johnson as senior assistant coach and Matt Taylor as defence coach, with Gregor Townsend and Graham Steadman - formerly attack and defence coach, respectively - departing. Townsend is next season set to replace Sean Lineen as Glasgow Warriors head coach, with Taylor his assistant.

Prior to the Six Nations, former Bath and England flanker Robinson described his tournament record with Scotland as "unacceptable" and the campaign began promisingly. Scotland appeared close to producing a positive result in the losses to England, Wales and France, but the displays against Ireland and Italy were disappointing leaving Robinson with a record of 12 wins in 29 matches as Scotland head coach.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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