Rugby News Round-upAndy Robinson has been appointed as full-time coach of world champions England until June 2008, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said yesterday.
Robinson, formerly assistant to Clive Woodward, had initially been given the job on a temporary basis for the three tests in November after Woodward resigned last month.
The 40-year-old former England flanker, who was realistically the only choice after spending four years as Woodward's assistant, said it was a role he had long aspired to.
"I expect every rugby coach in England aspires to coaching their country one day and I feel honoured to have this opportunity," he said.
"Clive set a standard for all of us to follow. His successful record at the helm, culminating in us winning the World Cup last year, was unique and very special. It was my privilege as his assistant coach to be part of that achievement.
"But my challenge now is the next era and to ensure the World Cup remains at Twickenham in 2007. It's a huge task ahead for all of us and one I am excited about leading."
England captain Jonny Wilkinson, who was appointed by Robinson to succeed Lawrence Dallaglio, welcomed the decision.
"Andy is an outstanding coach and an incredible leader," the outhalf said. "He brings so much experience and commitment to the job and I know I speak for the whole of the England squad when I say we are thrilled he will be in charge."
Robinson's first test in charge will be against Canada at Twickenham on November 13th before matches against the Tri-nations champions, South Africa, on November 20th and Australia on November 27th.
Wales wing Mark Jones returns to the rugby field today for the first time in nearly a year.
The 16-times capped Jones has not played a full game of rugby since the World Cup quarter-final against England in Brisbane last November.
But after two knee operations the 24-year-old will have a run-out for his former club side Llandovery in the Welsh Premiership at Swansea this afternoon and is expected to play for 20 minutes.
Finally, after winning Euro 2004 and staging the Olympic Games, Greece has now set its sights on conquering the world of rugby union.
This weekend's opening round of matches in Athens in the country's first fully organised league marks the first step in a process the fledgling Greek rugby fraternity hope will lead to international matches and perhaps eventually a place in the World Cup.
"That is some way away yet but we hope to be able to field a national team in early 2005," says Kostas Phillipakis, vice-president of the Hellenic Rugby Union and, at 41, still a playing member of Attica Springboks.
