Robinson stands down

"It is with regret that I have agreed a parting of the ways with the RFU [Rugby Football Union] and I will cease to be England head coach with immediate effect," Robinson said in a statement.

Robinson took over as head coach in 2004 having already spent four years as assistant coach to Sir Clive Woodward.

But he has underfire for some time leading England to their worst run of defeats losing seven consecutive Test matches and having lost 13 of the 22 Tests since taking over.

Despite the poor record Robinson remained committed to the England job spending the past two days trying to persuade Rob Andrew - the director of elite rugby - that England are moving forward.

"Following last Saturday's match v South Africa my position remained that I was confident that I would coach the England team through to a successful World Cup 2007," Robinson added.

"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."

Robinson was also critical of the current system of rugby in England claiming that the structure is not working.

"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," he said.

Speculation now shifts to who will be the man to take over from Robinson, but Andrew was quick to put a stop to questions on the matter.

"We will not be making any comment about the appointment of a new head coach until we are ready to do so but all options will be considered," Andrew said in a statement.

"We will also need to take into account the work that has been going on within the RFU over the last three months over possible new structures for the professional game."

England have only ten more Tests before their opening World Cup game against USA on September 8th - starting with Scotland in the Six Nations on February 3rd.