Robinson Returns to International Rugby

Andy Robinson, the former England coach, is poised for a return to international rugby with the Scotland A team. Robinson, who was recently appointed head coach of Magners League side Edinburgh, will join forces with Sean Lineen, his Glasgow Warriors counterpart, to take charge of the Scottish second string this season.

Having been forced to stand down as England head coach in November 2006 following a poor run of results, it is not inconceivable that Robinson - who will combine his new role with his Edinburgh commitments - may find himself pitted against the England A team at next summer's Churchill Cup. Should that happen, however, the 43-year-old insists that his loyalties will lie with Scotland.

"I'm there to prepare a side to win a game and that's what I'll do," said Robinson. "I'm a competitive person. I'm honored to be asked and I'm really looking forward to it. I see it as building upon what I'm doing with Edinburgh. It's important for Scotland to have a strong A team."

With only two matches scheduled in the next six months - Scotland A will take on their Italian and Irish counterparts in February - the role is not expected to impinge on Robinson's club duties.

Frank Hadden, the Scotland head coach, welcomed the appointment of the duo. "I'm delighted that two high-profile coaches are getting together," said Hadden. "The development of potential Scotland players is something we take extremely seriously. I cannot think of two more appropriate guys to lead the progress of this exceedingly important team."

Lineen, meanwhile, is confident that he and Robinson can combine to good effect: "We need to ensure we have strength in depth and I look forward to working closely with Andy to build that."